Emirates flight from Dubai to Beijing makes emergency landing

An Emirates Airline flight from Dubai to Beijing made an emergency landing in northwestern China on Monday after a fire broke out in the aircraft's cargo area.

Powered by automated translation

ABU DHABI // An Emirates Airline flight from Dubai to Beijing made an emergency landing in northwestern China on Monday after a fire broke out in the aircraft's cargo area.

Emirates Flight EK308 was forced to land in Urumqi, in northwestern China, and the 270 passengers on board were provided with overnight hotel accommodation and connecting flights to Beijing.

"Emirates apologises for the inconvenience caused," a spokesman said. "The safety of our customers and staff is of the utmost priority and will not be compromised."

The spokesman declined to comment on reports that the fire was caused by lithium ion batteries stored in the hold.

newsdesk@thenational.ae