The cost to Dubai of closing its main airport for five and a half hours on Wednesday following the Emirates crash landing would have been in the region of $330 million, according to expert analysis cited in local media.
Flight EK521 made a heavy landing at around 12.45pm on Wednesday due to a possible problem with its landing gear – though this has yet to be confirmed.
A fire erupted on the plane when it touched down on the runway at Dubai International Airport en route from India. All 300 passengers and crew on board were evacuated safely, however a firefighter died while extinguishing the blaze.
The airport was closed for more than five hours between 1pm and 6.30pm when flights resumed, as a result of the incident.
This would have cost the emirate a staggering $330 million, according to local newspaper Khaleej Times.
It cited information supplied earlier this year by Michael Rudolph, head of aviation regulation and safety at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA).
Rudolph claimed during the World Aviation Safety Summit in April that for every minute the airport stays shut, it costs the Dubai economy $1 million.
Meanwhile, Emirates airline has said it would waive cancellation, reissuance or ebooking charges to passengers who booked their tickets before Wednesday.
It said in a statement on its Facebook page: “We are doing everything we can to help passengers re-book flights. Emirates commercial passengers and Skywards members who had purchased tickets on or before 3rd August 2016 will have rebooking; re-issue; and cancellation charges waived.”
It also said it was working to accommodate and rebook passengers. “We expect operations at Dubai International Airport to resume approximately at 1830 local time, more information on Emirates flights will be available on the Emirates website and social media channels,” “the statement said.
It added: “We offer our apologies to all, appreciate your patience and are thankful for your understanding.”
Dubai International Airport resumed flights at 6.30pm on Wednesday night but delays are expected.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said on Thursday morning that the airport was functioning at just 50 percent pending clearance from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
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