Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, briefly suspended operations after an air defence interception near the airport on Saturday, March 7th, during ongoing attacks linked to the regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Authorities in Dubai said airport operations were temporarily halted after an aerial interception in the vicinity of the airport. A witness reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a cloud of smoke. Officials later confirmed that debris from the interception had fallen in the area, but no injuries were reported.
Airport authorities later announced that operations had partially resumed, with some flights departing from both Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airport. Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport unless their airline had confirmed their flight, as schedules continued to change.
According to the Emirati Ministry of Defence, the country’s air defence systems were responding to missile and drone threats originating from Iran.
The incident came amid escalating regional tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Iranian attacks have previously struck sites across the United Arab Emirates, including the airport in Abu Dhabi, the luxury resort area of Palm Jumeirah and the iconic Burj Al Arab, while drone debris earlier caused a fire at the U.S. consulate in Dubai.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to the country’s neighbouring states for the “unintended consequences” of its retaliatory strikes following the U.S.-Israeli attack.
