Operations at Dubai International Airport have been temporarily suspended after a suspected drone attack struck an area near the airport’s terminals on Saturday, triggering panic at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirmed that air defence systems were activated following the incident, as passengers awaiting departure were quickly moved into train tunnels within the sprawling airport complex for safety after alarms were sounded.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion over the airport, followed by a plume of smoke rising into the air. Some residents across Dubai also told reporters they heard multiple explosions in different parts of the city.
Following the incident, the national carrier Emirates announced that all flights to and from Dubai had been suspended until further notice. The airline also said passengers scheduled to travel between February 28 and March 31 have been given options to either rebook their flights or request refunds.
UAE authorities said investigations are currently underway to determine the origin of the drone and assess whether further threats remain. Meanwhile, security has been heightened around key infrastructure across the country as precautionary measures are intensified.
