UAE Diverts Flights After Drone Attacks Hit Airports

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has diverted some flights from Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, following a drone attack that caused a fire near the airport. Civil defence teams quickly contained the fire, and no injuries were reported, the Dubai Media Office said.

Some flights were redirected to Al Maktoum International Airport as a precaution, while the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority temporarily suspended airport operations to ensure passenger safety. Authorities did not give a timeline for resuming normal flights.

In Abu Dhabi, a missile struck a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyan area, killing a Palestinian, the city’s media office reported. In Fujairah, another drone attack triggered a fire in an industrial zone, though no injuries were reported. Earlier incidents in Fujairah had wounded four people near the airport.

Since the war began on February 28, the UAE Ministry of Defence has reported six deaths, including four civilians and two military personnel killed in a helicopter crash.

Iran justifies its attacks on Gulf nations, citing US military presence in the region, after joint US-Israel airstrikes on Tehran. Civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports, and oil facilities, has also been affected.

The UAE has been heavily targeted, with over 1,800 missiles and drones fired at the country. Other Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have also reported drone and missile interceptions.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the attacks in a phone call, promising to defend their territories. The GCC, the UK, and Jordan also issued statements condemning Iranian aggression.

Saudi Arabia reported intercepting multiple drone waves, with 23 drones destroyed on Monday alone. Qatar intercepted all drones entering its airspace, while Kuwait reported damage to airport radar systems.

Meanwhile, Israel launched new strikes on Tehran. Reports say Tehran’s hospitals and clinics were damaged, affecting thousands of civilians, while over 1,500 civilians have died in Iran so far.