EK segment on OneWorld Explorer AONE3?
 

A very good friend's mother recently flew on a AONE3 ticket as follows:

BOM/HKG(CX)/YVR(CX)/JFK(CX)/LHR(BA)/BRU(BA)/LHR(BA)/DXB(BA)/BOM(EK)

I was wondering if EK segments are allowed on OneWorld Explorer fares or the airline (CX) made an exception as they have very limited service between DXB and BOM.

Sounds like an add-on for maybe ex-BOM passengers. But no, EK is not permitted.

Are you sure it was an AONE3 fare?

I think it is probably a "Global Explorer" fare (forgot the fare basis), and they allow segments on carriers such as Air Pacific, Emirates etc. in addition to the oneworld carriers. (This fare is mileage based)

Maybe - I will check again!

Just checked the fare rules for Global Explorer:
Valid airlines: AA/AY/BA/CX/DI/EI/FJ/GF/IB/LA/LP/PH/QF

Does not include EK.

This probably sounds like a do-it-yourself RTW ticket with the help of CX/BA and EK. There are many fares available in other countries that are not published, visible or available in North America.

...or perhaps just a simple mistake. Recently my travel agent, American Express, was able to (mistakenly) issue a OWE through AA that included a SQ segment from BOM-SIN. According to my agent, SQ would have accepted the coupon and subsequently followed up with the agency to get payment for the segment. So, your friend's mother may yet get a call to collect the balance due, if any.

Truth is, we (I) cannot tell you what the situation is unless I see the actual ticket myself.

If you asked any oneworld airline over the phone over this question, they'd say the same thing..."Show us the ticket!"