Dubai airport partially resumes operations after brief suspension
The airport had earlier temporarily halted operations after an aerial object was intercepted in the area. A witness told AFP they heard a loud explosion followed by a cloud of smoke.
Dubai airport, the world's busiest for international passenger traffic, partially resumed operations today (7 March) after briefly suspending flights following an aerial interception near the airport amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
In a statement posted on X, the airport authority said operations had "partially resumed" with some flights operating from both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
"Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed," it added.
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The airport had earlier temporarily halted operations after an aerial object was intercepted in the area. A witness told AFP they heard a loud explosion followed by a cloud of smoke.
Flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed aircraft circling above the airport in a holding pattern during the disruption.
The Dubai government later said the situation involved "a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception," adding that no injuries were reported. Authorities also denied circulating social media claims about major incidents at the airport.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems were responding to missile and drone threats coming from Iran, though it did not specify the intended targets.
Meanwhile, Emirates Airline initially announced on Saturday that it would suspend all flights to and from Dubai until further notice. However, about 30 minutes later the airline said operations would resume as planned.
"Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon's flights may proceed to the airport. This includes customers transiting in Dubai if their connecting flight is also operating," Emirates said, thanking passengers for their patience.
The airline added that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
Emirates had planned to expand its schedule on Saturday to reach around 60% of normal operations from Dubai International Airport. In a statement issued Friday, the airline said it expected to restore its full route network within the coming days.
