Iran Strikes Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports, One Dead as Airlines Suspend Flights Amid Escalating Conflict
One person has died and eleven others have been injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi following a series of Iranian attacks across the Middle East. These strikes are reportedly in retaliation for ongoing military actions conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Drone Attack in Abu Dhabi
Authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed that they intercepted a drone targeting Zayed International Airport (AUH). The interception led to falling debris, resulting in one fatality and injuries to seven others. The incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region, as Iran continues to respond aggressively to perceived threats.
Impact on Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB), recognized as the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, was also affected by an unspecified incident, which resulted in injuries to four staff members. The situation has prompted authorities to suspend thousands of flights to and from the region, marking one of the most severe disruptions to global travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.
All flights from Dubai International and Dubai Al Maktoum airports have been suspended until further notice. Emirates Airlines announced the suspension of all operations from Dubai until at least 15:00 local time on Monday, attributing the closure to airspace restrictions. Similarly, Etihad Airways has suspended flights out of Abu Dhabi until 02:00 on Monday.
Airlines Cancel Flights
British Airways has canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday, warning that services to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Doha, and Dubai may also be affected. Virgin Atlantic has similarly suspended flights between London and Dubai, as well as between London and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday. Other airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Air India, have also adjusted their schedules in light of the ongoing conflict.
The situation escalated further on Sunday, with explosions reported in Doha, Dubai, and Manama. Iran has employed ballistic missiles and drones in a wide-scale attack on U.S. allies and assets across the Gulf, following the death of its supreme leader amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel air offensive launched on Saturday morning.
Regional Reactions
Countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, which host U.S. military bases, reported intercepting missiles fired by Iran. However, falling debris from these interceptions has caused widespread damage. In Dubai, debris from an aerial interception caused a fire at a berth in the Jebel Ali deep-sea port, the world’s ninth-busiest port.
A significant explosion struck the Palm Jumeirah, a luxury man-made archipelago in Dubai, affecting the five-star Fairmont, The Palm hotel. Verified video footage shows flames engulfing the hotel, with black smoke rising into the sky. Authorities have also confirmed that debris from an intercepted drone caused a minor fire on the outer facade of the Burj Al Arab hotel.
In Bahrain, the interior ministry reported damage to the airport following a drone strike. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for striking the headquarters of the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet located in Manama, with witnesses observing large plumes of black smoke rising from the area.
Meanwhile, Oman’s state news agency reported that two drones targeted the Duqm commercial port, injuring one worker.
List of Airlines Canceling Flights to the Middle East
Airlines have continued to cancel and divert flights serving the Middle East in the wake of U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are among the carriers that have suspended flights in and out of Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports.
- Qatar Airways confirmed the temporary suspension of flights in and out of Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace, with operations expected to resume at 19:00 local time on Sunday.
- Aegean Airlines, Greece’s largest carrier, has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Erbil until Monday.
- Air Canada has canceled flights to Dubai until Tuesday and to Israel until the following Sunday.
- Spanish carrier Air Europa has canceled services to Tel Aviv until at least Monday.
- Air India has suspended flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Amritsar to various destinations, including London, New York, and Paris.
- FlyDubai has also suspended flights to and from Dubai until 15:00 local time on Sunday.
Numerous other airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and LOT Polish Airlines, have similarly suspended or canceled flights due to the ongoing conflict and airspace restrictions.
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Published on 2026-03-01 16:09:00 • By Editorial Desk
