DUBAI — Dubai International Airport (DXB) temporarily suspended operations on Saturday morning after regional air-defense activity prompted a safety response in Dubai’s airspace.
In a statement, the Dubai Media Office said: “For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended.”
Dubai authorities later described the event as a minor incident involving falling debris after an aerial interception, and denied online claims of a major incident at the airport. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud boom and seeing smoke nearby. Flight-tracking data indicated aircraft holding patterns and diversions during the disruption.
Partial return of operations
Euronews reported that correspondent Lily Douse was aboard an Emirates (EK) flight to Cape Town (CPT) when passengers were disembarked and directed to shelter in the terminal before the flight later departed.
Dubai Airports has confirmed a partial resumption of operations, with some flights departing from DXB and Dubai World Central (DWC). Customers are advised not to travel to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their flight.
The disruption coincides with President Masoud Pezeshkian’s statement that Iran will halt strikes on neighboring countries unless attacks originate from their territory, following approval by Iran’s temporary leadership council.
Airport damage in the current crisis
This incident adds to the growing number of airports reporting damage linked to the escalating Middle East conflict and its impact on commercial aviation.
- Dubai International (DXB), UAE: Dubai Media Office said a concourse sustained minor damage and four staff were injured during the Feb. 28 incident.
- Bahrain International (BAH), Bahrain: Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs reported a drone attack that caused minor material damage at the airport.
- Kuwait International (KWI), Kuwait: Kuwait’s DGCA said a drone targeted Terminal 1, causing minor injuries and limited material damage.
- Zayed International (AUH), Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed one fatality and seven injuries following an interception of a drone targeting the airport.
- Nakhchivan International (NAJ), Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said a drone struck the terminal building and another fell near a school, damaging the airport and injuring civilians; Iran denied involvement.
Note: Early reports described some incidents as “drone strikes,” while UAE authorities have referred to certain events as debris following interceptions. Phrasing should reflect official statements at the time of publication.
Featured image: Dubai Airports
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