Manama: At least 12 flights to and from Bahrain were disrupted yesterday by dramatic events that unfolded at Dubai International Airport, where a plane crash-landed at around 1.30pm.
The Emirates flight EK521 had arrived from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, and all 300 people on board were evacuated before it burst into flames.
However, the airport was shut down for several hours in the aftermath of the accident – resulting in delays for travellers booked on flights to and from Dubai.
“We can confirm that there are no fatalities among our passengers and crew,” Emirates said in a statement.
“We are expecting an eight-hour network-wide delay.”
Emirates and Gulf Air both cancelled four flights between Bahrain and Dubai yesterday.
“The flights cancelled because of the incident in Dubai were GF506, GF507 (departing from Dubai to Bahrain), GF508 and GF509 (departing from Dubai),” said a Gulf Air spokesman.
“We are making all the necessary arrangements so that our passengers are not affected and even diverting two evening flights to Abu Dhabi.”
He said 57 Bahrain-bound passengers were stranded at Dubai International Airport as a result of the incident, but added they were due to be accommodated on Gulf Air’s evening flights.
Meanwhile, Fly Dubai cancelled three inbound flights to Bahrain and three outbound flights to Dubai.
“Due to the closure of Dubai International Airport, all flights that were scheduled to depart from and arrive to DXB (Dubai) at 22.00 (Dubai time) have been cancelled,” it said.
It advised passengers to contact travel agents to rebook flights or alternatively claim a full refund.
Dubai International Airport, the busiest international airport for international passengers, resumed operation by 5.30pm with larger aircraft given priority.
Boeing, which manufactured the 777 plane involved, released a statement saying it was aware of the accident and preparing to investigate.
“Boeing is aware of the Emirates Airline Flight EK521 accident in Dubai,” it said.
“We are thankful all aboard were evacuated safely.
“A Boeing technical team is standing by to launch an investigation in support of the US National Transportation Safety Board.”
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