The world’s busiest airport, Dubai International, as well as other transport hubs and high-end hotel accommodation in the United Arab Emirates, have been hit by drone and missile fire, amid escalating military tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Flights already in the air or about to take off for the region turned back to their points of departure as the situation evolved and airspace closed across the region. All flights out have also been cancelled, with major carriers such as Emirates and British Airways confirming that all operations were suspended over at least the first weekend in March. Footage shared by CNN shows smoke in the air and light damage inside the Dubai hub as passengers and staff hurry to shelter. Four staff were reportedly wounded by falling debris in a concourse area.
“Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3pm UAE time [on Sunday, 1 March,” an airline statement said. Passengers booked to travel in the next 72 hours were told they have the option to “rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination up to 10 days from your original date of travel.” Alternatively, they can “request for a refund of your ticket by completing the refund form if you booked with us directly. If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please contact them. We urge all customers to check flight status before proceeding to the airport,” Emirates said.
Jebel Ali seaport, where military carriers are hosted, was also damaged by a drone-caused blaze that took some time for firefighters to control. Together, the air and sea ports are estimated to generate 60% of Dubai’s revenues.
In addition, in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, authorities said one person was killed, and seven were wounded at Zayed International Airport. Meanwhile, in Doha, the region’s second busiest airport is also closed, shutting down Qatar Airways operations. The airline said in a statement it “is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens.”
@elizabeth.tor3 Video shows damage inside a passenger terminal at Dubai International Airport following an attack by Iranian drones that left four people injured. . The media office of Dubai Airports said emergency response teams were immediately activated in coordination with the relevant authorities. #news #usaIranwar #iran #Dubai #military ♬ original sound – Elizabeth tor
Even when airspace does re-open, the knock-on effect of hundreds of cancellations is likely to be felt for some time, the carrier warned, explaining: “Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers. The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
In an update on hotels and accommodation, the Dubai Media Office said a drone had been intercepted, causing a fire at the Burj Al Arab hotel. “Civil Defence teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries have been reported,” the statement said. Similarly, the Fairmont Hotel on Palm Jumeirah also suffered a fire in which four people were reportedly injured. Travellers and residents are being urged to shelter in place away from strategic targets and windows, to follow local authority guidance, and to check airline and cruise line updates.
