An Emirates flight traveling from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai returned midway and landed back at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after Dubai International Airport was temporarily closed, according to an airport official.
An airport official stated that due to the closure of Dubai International Airport, an Emirates flight traveling from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai had to turn back mid-flight and subsequently landed back at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Officials reported on Monday that flight operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended following a drone-related incident near the airport. This measure was implemented as the region is experiencing the repercussions of heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
According to the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, this suspension has been imposed as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff.
In a post on X, the Dubai Media Office stated: “The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has announced a temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights. Further updates will be communicated through official channels as soon as they become available.”
Officials also stated that a fire broke out near the airport following a drone attack, resulting in minor damage.
According to a report by the Xinhua News Agency, since the commencement of the US-Israel conflict against Iran on February 28, Gulf nations have faced a barrage of missile and drone attacks; the United Arab Emirates, in particular, has reported intercepting over 1,500 drones to date.
Earlier, on March 14, a fire erupted in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), after air defense systems intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle and the resulting debris fell to the ground.
According to officials, this incident occurred at a time when Iran has launched over 1,800 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates since the onset of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, making the UAE the most frequently targeted nation.
This bombardment has disrupted travel within the Gulf’s financial hub, although air defense systems have successfully intercepted the majority of the projectiles.
Following attacks by US and Israeli forces targeting Iran’s leadership, Iran has retaliated by striking both US assets and civilian infrastructure—including airports, ports, and oil facilities—across the Gulf region.