$7,000 compensation for EK521 passengers

Less than one week after Emirates flight EK 521 was involved in an operational incident at Dubai International Airport (DXB), all 282 passengers on board have been informed that they will receive a compensation totalling $7,000 each.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Wednesday evening, one man - whose wife and two children were on board the flight which was travelling from India to Dubai - said he received the news from Emirates via email.
"The mail came through on Tuesday evening, but I only saw it on Wednesday morning."
He lauded the airline for dealing with the issue "so quickly", but made a point of highlighting his family's lucky escape.
"There is no way I will be negotiating on the amount. These people saved my family's life."
And that is something that cannot be forgotten, he said.
"It isn't possible to compensate for loss of life, and we are lucky this compensation is only for the small monetary loss we endured through losing our luggage."
Over 300 people had a miraculous escape on August 3 when the Boeing 777 aircraft was involved in a landing incident in Dubai.      
Since the incident, the Indian national said an Emirates representative has made it a point of calling him "everyday" to check on the welfare of his family.
And he is impressed with the way they have handled such issues, so soon after the incident.
"In the email, Emirates highlighted the fact that it wanted to solve the issue regarding compensation immediately, to avoid causing passengers anymore upset."
Though the specific date for compensation payout was not outlined in the email, he said he has filled out "all the formalities" necessary and has sent the claim forms back to the airline.
Tragically, one life was lost during the incident. It was that of firefighter, Jassim Eissa Al Balushi, who was part of the airport Civil Defence team.
To honour the martyr, the Dubai Civil Defence has now named a hall at its training academy after him.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com