Dubai International Airport (DXB) announced on Saturday that it was temporarily suspending all operations following an aerial interception in the area in attacks from Iran. “For the safety of passengers, airport staff and airline crew, operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have been temporarily suspended,” the government’s Dubai Media Authority said in a post on social media.
The announcement was made after an aerial interception of an object near the airport which was initially reported as an “explosion”.
“Dubai authorities have confirmed that a minor incident caused by falling debris following the impact has been successfully dealt with. No injuries have been reported,” the Dubai Media Authority said.
Tracking website Flightradar24 earlier showed the planes circling over the airport in an apparent holding pattern.
Authorities did not explain whether there was any interception or damage at the airport, which is the world’s busiest for international travel.
Emirates suspends flights
Earlier on Saturday, Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, announced it was suspending all flights to and from Dubai until further notice.
“Please do not go to the airport,” the airline said.
“Emirates will share updates as they become available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.
The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised,” the post on social media said.
Resumed on Monday after the previous strike
Flights from Dubai’s main airport partially resumed on Monday despite daily drone attacks on locations in the United Arab Emirates.
Last Saturday, four employees were injured and a terminal damaged at Dubai Airport as war broke out in the Middle East following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The operator of Dubai Airports said at the time that the incident was “quickly under control”, without giving details.
