Rising tensions in the Middle East escalated after reports that drones launched from Iran targeted major aviation hubs in the United Arab Emirates, including areas near Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport. Security authorities intercepted at least one drone near Abu Dhabi airport, but falling debris reportedly caused casualties and infrastructure damage.

Casualties and Local Damage

According to initial reports, debris from an intercepted drone near Zayed International Airport resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. In Dubai, smoke was seen rising near the vicinity of Dubai International Airport, where minor damage was reported at an airport terminal and four staff members were injured.

Additional incidents were reported across surrounding areas:

• Drone debris fell near Etihad Towers, injuring a woman and a child in a nearby residential building.

• A small fire broke out close to Burj Al Arab after another interception, though authorities said it was quickly contained.

• In an industrial area of Abu Dhabi, debris injured six people, including foreign workers from Pakistan and Nepal.

Major Disruption to Air Travel

Due to security concerns, operations at Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport were temporarily suspended. The disruption affected hundreds of flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at terminals.

Airlines began cancelling or delaying services:

• Emirates cancelled multiple flights for security reasons.

• Etihad Airways also adjusted its schedules and offered flexible rebooking options.

Although airports have begun reopening, aviation officials say only about 60% of normal flight operations have resumed, with average delays ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. Several aircraft were forced to circle in the air or divert to alternate airports during the disruption.

Thousands of Flights Affected Across the Region

Since February 28, the wider Middle East aviation network has experienced significant disruption. Aviation data indicates:

• More than 27,700 flights cancelled

• Over 51,600 flights affected overall

Airports impacted include:

• Dubai International

• Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International

• Doha’s Hamad International

• Sharjah International

• Kuwait International

• Bahrain International

• Dubai World Central Airport

Industry analysts describe the disruption as the largest aviation disturbance in the region since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current Situation

Airport authorities in the United Arab Emirates say operations are gradually returning to normal, though some delays continue. Officials have also urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources and avoid spreading rumors on social media.

Airlines have announced temporary travel flexibility measures. For example, passengers holding Etihad Airways tickets issued before February 8, 2026, for travel until March 10, can rebook their flights without additional charges until March 31.

Meanwhile, Emirates has temporarily suspended scheduled flights until 11:59 PM on March 7, citing security considerations.