The world’s busiest international airport, Dubai International Airport, was struck on Saturday during a wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks launched in response to US-Israeli strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities.
Dramatic videos circulating online showed passengers running through smoke-filled concourses as alarms blared. Water from activated sprinkler systems pooled across terminal floors. In an official statement, airport authorities confirmed that one concourse sustained damage and four staff members were injured. Terminals had been cleared of passengers as a precaution.
The UAE subsequently closed airspace over Dubai and Abu Dhabi, leading to widespread flight cancellations. Large crowds gathered inside terminals as flights were grounded, with baggage piling up and thousands of travellers stranded.
In Dubai, officials said a drone strike caused shrapnel to ignite a fire at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. A statement from the Government of Dubai Media Office said the blaze was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported.
Authorities also confirmed that debris from air interception operations sparked a fire at one of the berths at Jebel Ali Port, though no casualties were reported there.
In Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport was shut down following the attacks. Officials said shrapnel from an intercepted strike resulted in one fatality on the airport premises.
Strikes were also reported at other regional commercial airports, including Kuwait International Airport, prompting additional closures and cancellations across the Gulf.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump stated on social media that the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader would not halt ongoing joint air operations by the United States and Israel. He said military action would continue “as long as necessary” to achieve broader regional objectives.
The situation across the Gulf remains tense, with aviation, maritime operations, and civilian infrastructure facing significant disruption as hostilities escalate.
