- Dubai carrier Emirates said it would run on a limited schedule after 10 a.m. local time
- Some flights have been diverted to Al-Maktoum International Airport
DUBAI: The Dubai Media Office said on Monday that flights at Dubai International Airport have been temporarily suspended following a drone attack.
“Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff,” the office said on X.
Some flights have been diverted to Al-Maktoum International Airport, and travelers were advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.
A fire, resulting from the drone impact to one of the fuel tanks in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport, has been successfully contained, the office said. No injuries have been reported.
Dubai carrier Emirates said it would run on a limited schedule after 10 a.m. local time after scheduled flights have been cancelled, and advised customers to avoid going to the airport.
“Emirates will share updates when available,” the airline said on X.
Videos circulating on social media showed a column of smoke billowing from the airport vicinity.
“Authorities are currently responding to a fire resulting from a drone-related incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport,” the office earlier posted on X.
“All necessary measures are being taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” it added.
The attack followed warnings by Iran for the evacuation of three major UAE ports, threatening for the first time a neighboring country’s non-US assets.
Tehran accused the US of using “ports, docks and hideouts” in the UAE to launch strikes on Kharg Island, home to the main terminal handling Iran’s oil exports, without providing evidence, as the war showed no signs of ending.
Gulf attacks
The UAE has repelled 298 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,606 drones since the Iranian attacks started. A defense ministry statement on Monday said they were engaging against missile and drone threats against Iran.
Air defenses shot down four ballistic missiles and six drones on Sunday alone, the defense ministry said on X.
Kuwait’s National Guard reported early Monday the interception of two drones during the past 24 hours while Bahrain said it has destroyed 125 missiles and 212 since the Iranian attacks started.
Qatar’s defense ministry said late Sunday a number of Iranian drones targeting the countries have been intercepted and destroyed. The ministry did not provide specific details.
Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, with targets including US diplomatic missions and military bases but also critical Gulf oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels and residential and office buildings.
BY: – with AFP and Reuters
