One person has died and at least seven others have been injured after strikes hit major airports in the United Arab Emirates, as Iran launched a wave of retaliatory missile attacks across the region.
At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, officials confirmed a fatality involving an Asian national and multiple injuries following what they described as an “incident” on Saturday night.
In a statement, authorities said: “Abu Dhabi Airports has confirmed that an incident took place at Zayed International Airport and resulted in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries. The public is urged to avoid circulating rumours and to rely only on official sources. Updates will be provided.”
Meanwhile, a separate blast rocked Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international travel hub, sending smoke through a terminal and prompting evacuations. The Dubai Media Office confirmed that a concourse at the airport sustained “minor damage in an incident that was quickly contained”.
In a statement, officials said: “Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention. Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers. Further updates will be provided as they become available.”
Footage circulating online showed smoke and debris inside Terminal 3, with passengers and airport staff seen running for cover. Flights had already been halted earlier in the day as regional airspace closures disrupted travel across the Middle East. Approximately 250,000 passengers typically pass through Dubai International Airport each day.
Bahrain’s Ministry of the Interior also confirmed that Bahrain International Airport had been targeted. In a post on X, it said: “Targeting of Bahrain International Airport with a drone, resulting in material damage without loss of life, at a time when the relevant authorities are initiating procedures to secure the site.”
The strikes come after Iran warned it “has no red lines” following large-scale US and Israeli military operations earlier in the day. Tehran launched missiles and drones at multiple countries across the Gulf, targeting US military installations and key infrastructure.
Thousands of tourists have been left stranded as Iranian and Iraqi airspace closures forced aircraft to divert mid-flight. Travellers in Abu Dhabi reported hearing loud explosions, while hotels distributed refreshments to calm guests instructed to remain indoors due to falling missile debris.
British Airways passenger Mike Boreham said he was already seated on flight BA108 from Dubai to Heathrow when the captain made an announcement. “We were all boarded,” he told The Independent. “The flight is completely full. About 10 minutes after the ‘boarding complete’ announcement we were told airspace is closed.”
Authorities earlier released images showing fragments of intercepted rockets scattered across city streets in the UAE. The airport incidents follow a strike on the luxury Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, where four people were injured after debris from Iran’s missile barrage hit the tourist hotspot.
Explosions were also reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, after diplomatic talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme collapsed without agreement earlier this week. With missile exchanges intensifying and key transport hubs under threat, regional leaders have urged the public to follow official guidance as the volatile situation continues to unfold.
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