The pilot and Australian co-pilot of an Emirates plane that had a fiery crash-landing in Dubai have been praised for their action to ensure the safety of every passenger aboard.
Emirates airlines has confirmed the co-pilot of the Boeing 777-300 which caught fire mid-air and dramatically crash landed at Dubai airport was Australian.
The airline's chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum had confirmed that one of the pilots on-board is Australian, an Emirates spokeswoman told AAP.
The pilots have received praise for their actions on social media.
"Special thanks to the Pilot , Co Pilot for the safe landing in time and the cabin crew of EK 521 for evacuating quickly everyone," wrote one person.
Another tweeted, "Emirates crash...thank God that every passenger is safe and special thanks to pilot who controlled to land safely and another posted, "great thanks to the pilot of emirates airline for landing the plane safe."
The airline is not releasing the name of the pilots but it is co-operating with the investigators.
"The captain and the first officer have over 7000 hours of flying experience," Sheikh Ahmed told reporters.
There were 282 passengers and 18 crew on board the flight from India and he plane was delivered in March 2003.
Earlier, it was reported there were two Australians, including the co-pilot, on board the flight.
DFAT issued a statement on Thursday morning saying authorities were working to determine the whereabouts of the Australians.
"The Australian Consulate in Dubai is urgently seeking to contact any Australians affected by the emergency landing of an Emirates aircraft in Dubai," DFAT said.
The airline said 14 people had been admitted to hospital.
While the passengers and crew made it safely from the aircraft, one firefighter died attempting to extinguish the blaze.
Director of General Civil Aviation Authority Saif Al Suwaidi told reporters that the firefighter "lost his life while saving the lives of others".
