Fresh tension has gripped the Middle East after Iranian missiles and drones targeted major airports in the United Arab Emirates late Saturday, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured.
Authorities confirmed that key aviation hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were affected, sparking panic and forcing a temporary halt to flight operations.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Abu Dhabi Airports reported casualties following what it described as an incident linked to the interception of a drone aimed at Zayed International Airport.
“Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport. The interception led to falling debris, which resulted in one fatality of an Asian national and seven injuries,” the statement read.
The agency urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely solely on official updates, assuring that further details would be communicated in due course.
Emergency teams were swiftly dispatched to provide medical assistance to the injured and secure affected areas.
Officials also confirmed that four individuals were hurt in a separate incident at Dubai International Airport, commonly referred to as DXB. Flight services were suspended temporarily as authorities assessed the situation and ensured passenger safety.
Although the full scale of structural damage was not immediately disclosed, reports indicate that debris from intercepted missiles and drones caused limited destruction near airport facilities and surrounding residential zones.
Air defence systems in the UAE reportedly intercepted dozens of incoming missiles and drones launched during the late-night assault. While most of the projectiles were neutralised, falling fragments led to casualties and property damage in parts of the country.
In response, authorities briefly closed the nation’s airspace and suspended operations at major airports, leaving thousands of travellers stranded and prompting airlines to delay or cancel scheduled flights.
The strikes are said to be part of escalating hostilities in the region, with Iran reportedly retaliating after large-scale attacks on its territory by the United States and Israel earlier in the conflict.
As tensions continue to rise, UAE aviation and security agencies remain on heightened alert, while passengers and residents await further updates on the restoration of normal operations and overall security conditions.