Dubai International Airport was rocked by a massive explosion, prompting a suspension of operations after a loud boom – suspected to be the result of an Iranian drone strike – was heard across the area. Explosions were reported near the airport at around 8am local time (4am GMT), with a huge fire seen burning close to the site.
Terrifying footage from the scene shows a large plume of grey smoke next to one of the airport’s buildings. Videos circulating online show the drone heading increasingly closer to the airport before it eventually erupts, causing plumes of smoke to billow into the air. Multiple planes can be seen just metres away from where the drone hit.
Dubai authorities claimed there had been « no incident » at the airport, but confirmed there had been a successful interception of a drone, with no injuries reported. They added that some debris fell off a missile intercepted today.
The Dubai Media Office issued a statement saying: “For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended.”
At least two emergency alerts were sent to mobile phones, and passengers on flights preparing to depart were deboarded as the terminals were evacuated—an unprecedented measure since the outbreak of the war.
Debris from the suspected drone strike caused visible damage, sparking a small fire along the passenger walkway at Terminal 3, the hub for Emirates flights.
*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***
After the incident Emirates airline said that « all flights to Dubai have been suspended until further notice ».
Over the past couple of hours Dubai International Airport said it has « partially resumed operations », with some flights operating out of Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
This follows a temporary suspension of services earlier today.
« Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change, » it added.
Emirates has also resumed operations, and said: « Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. »
The statement added: « This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if their connecting flight is also operating.
« Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. »
Source link
