One Dead, Several Injured Following Iranian Attacks on Airports in UAE, Dubai

• Dubai five-star hotel on fire after ‘missile strike’

According to a report by Sky News, one person has died and seven others have been injured following an “incident” at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Airport, while another four individuals were hurt at Dubai International Airport—allegedly as a result of an overnight Iranian attack. This escalation comes amid widespread disruption in the Middle East, with numerous flights cancelled due to US missile strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes targeting American bases in the region.

A statement from Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed that the incident “resulted in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries,” urging the public to refrain from circulating rumours regarding the cause. The Dubai incident involved four staff members who were injured when a concourse sustained “minor damage,” as reported by the city’s media office.

Aviation sources cited by Reuters noted that one of the terminals had been damaged during the Iranian attack. In response to the escalating situation, flights from both airports were grounded on Saturday as a precautionary measure.

Additionally, a minor fire broke out on the facade of the iconic Burj al Arab hotel, reportedly due to the interception of a drone. Dubai’s media office stated, “Civil Defence teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries have been reported.”

Another luxury hotel in Dubai also suffered damage due to a fire believed to have been caused by debris from a falling missile earlier on Saturday.

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has advised British nationals in several Middle Eastern countries to “immediately shelter in place” and avoid travel to Israel and Palestine. The FCDO emphasised, “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel, and follow instructions from local authorities,” and stated that it is “working around the clock” to support affected British citizens.

Many UK citizens are currently stranded due to the temporary closure of airspace and airports in countries including the UAE and Qatar. British Airways has cancelled flights to Dubai, Doha, Amman, and Abu Dhabi, as well as services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until 3 March. A BA flight from London to Doha was among several that were forced to turn around or divert mid-flight early on Saturday, as indicated by flight tracking websites.

London Heathrow reported that “a small number of flights” had been cancelled or delayed, including Emirates and Qatar Airways flights, while Gatwick and Manchester airports also anticipated disruptions to their services.

Further disruptions were reported by Wizz Air, which suspended flights between London Luton and Tel Aviv until 7 March, and Virgin Atlantic, which stated that journeys from destinations including India and the Maldives could take longer due to altered routes for safety reasons.

The situation has created significant challenges for many airlines, with several suspending flights to the Middle East and some routes flying over the region, including Delta, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and Turkish Airlines. India’s aviation ministry reported that more than 400 domestic flights were cancelled on Saturday, with a similar number expected on Sunday.

As the situation unfolds, Dubai’s airports remain at a standstill, with all flights at Dubai International, Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum), and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International suspended. With at least 90,000 passengers transferring daily at these airports, the closures represent a severe disruption for those travelling through the region.

Witnesses reported hearing at least three large blasts over Dubai, while people were seen running for shelter as air raid sirens sounded. A fire broke out near the entrance of the Fairmont The Palm hotel after debris from a missile reportedly fell in the vicinity.

The precautionary measures taken by Dubai airports have been described as “exceptional,” with Emirates emphasising that safety remains its “highest priority.” A source from a Gulf airline commented, “You have crews, planes, and passengers stranded all over the world. It’s a massive logistical nightmare.”

As tensions escalate in the region, Qatar’s international airport has also suspended all services due to the lockdown of its airspace in anticipation of further Iranian attacks. Reports indicated that residents in Doha were forced to take cover as a missile—likely intercepted—fell and exploded in a residential area near al Udeid, the largest US regional air base, which Iran has deemed a legitimate target.