Dubai’s Emirates fined and barred from route expansion in China

China has fined Dubai carrier Emirates $4,270 and barred it from expanding its operations in the country for six months for violating air safety rules.

The move is related to two incidents on April 17 and May 18 and comes amid a crackdown by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to improve safety in its air space.

During the April flight Emirates crew misunderstood instructions and flew at the wrong altitude above the Xinijiang city of Urumqi, CAAC said.

The May incident saw the airline’s radio communications cut off over the same region.

Officials at the Civil Aviation Administration of China in the western province of Xinijiang and others in the centre and south of the country met with Emirates to review the operations.

The airline also briefed authorities on its own investigations relating to two incidents.

An Emirates spokesperson insisted the airline would “never compromise on the safety of our passengers and crew” and said the airline would full cooperate with the CAAC and complete all actions recommended by the authority.

The ban from expansion will be considered a blow for Emirates, which has been hit by tough market conditions.

Read: Emirates considers flydubai tie-up, order deferrals as profit woes continue – report

The carrier recently announced plans to introudce Airbus A380s on all its flights to Beijing and Shanghai from next month due to increasing passenger demand.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates to introduce A380s on all Beijing and Shanghai services