Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international hub, has suspended all flight operations indefinitely following a wave of Iranian missile attacks targeting several Arab Gulf states.
This comes after tensions between the US and Iran escalated on Saturday when Operation Epic Fury was launched. The strikes were first announced by Israel, and US President Donald Trump later confirmed Washington’s role.
The closure was announced by Dubai airport authorities, who said they took the decision as a precautionary measure due to escalating regional tensions and airspace security concerns.
“Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice,” Dubai Media Office announced in an X (formerly Twitter) post.
Notice for passengers
Authorities have strongly advised passengers to avoid traveling to the airport until further notice, citing continued disruptions. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with the relevant airlines for the latest information on flight schedules, cancellations and new bookings.
“We appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Further updates will be provided as we continue to monitor the situation,” X’s post read.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) instructed its staff, along with staff at the US Consulate General in Dubai, to shelter in place. In a post on X, she shared helpline numbers and email addresses for US citizens and urged people to move to safe places.
Reason for sudden shutdown
The shutdown follows a sharp escalation in the Middle East conflict, triggered by joint US and Israeli military strikes on Iran earlier in the day. In response, Iran launched a ballistic missile targeting US military bases and allied sites in the Persian Gulf region.
Explosions were reported in several major Gulf cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Manama, raising security concerns in those areas.
Earlier, the UAE closed its airspace when Israel and the US carried out strikes on Iran. The Gulf country said it had intercepted Iranian missiles and reserved the right to respond, while Kuwait also launched incoming strikes on Saturday.
“The Ministry of Defense announced that the United Arab Emirates was exposed to an apparent attack by Iranian ballistic missiles today. The UAE’s air defenses responded with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles,” AFP quoted the UAE statement as saying.
Abu Dhabi also said it “reserves the full right to respond”, calling the attacks a “dangerous escalation”.
