Additional Coverage:
- Suspected airstrikes force evacuation at Dubai airport as drone debris kills 1 at second UAE hub (businessinsider.com)
Air Strikes Disrupt Middle East Airports, Causing Casualties and Damage
Multiple airports across the Middle East experienced significant disruptions and damage on Saturday following a series of suspected air and drone strikes. The incidents resulted in at least one fatality, several injuries, and widespread operational halts, raising concerns about regional stability.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, sustained “minor damage” in an incident that led to its evacuation. Airport authorities confirmed that four staff members received prompt medical attention for injuries.
Due to pre-existing contingency plans, most terminals had been cleared of passengers prior to the event, which was “quickly contained.” Videos circulating online depicted debris outside the airport, smoke within a terminal, and emergency vehicles responding to the scene.
Approximately 77 miles away, Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi faced a more severe outcome. Officials reported that the interception of a drone targeting the airport resulted in falling debris, causing one fatality of an Asian national and seven injuries.
The attacks coincide with heightened tensions in the region, with Iran reportedly launching missiles across the Middle East in response to recent US-Israel strikes.
Further impacting air travel, Dubai’s other major airport, Dubai World Center – Al Maktoum International (DWC), announced the suspension of its operations until further notice, advising passengers against traveling to the airport.
Kuwait International Airport also reported an earlier drone hit on Saturday, resulting in injuries and damage. While authorities stated the site was secure and damage assessment was underway, it remains unclear if this incident was linked to Iranian drone activity.
An Emirates passenger, Jaiveer Cheema, who was stranded in Dubai, recounted receiving a missile threat alert on his phone around 12:30 a.m. local time, shortly before the incident at DXB. Cheema, who was at a hotel at the time, noted that “everyone is taking shelter in the bottom floor of the hotel.”
Further updates from the affected airports are anticipated as more information becomes available.