DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, temporarily suspended operations on Saturday following an aerial interception during attacks originating from Iran.
“For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended,” the Dubai Media Office said in a social media post.
The suspension came after an object was intercepted near the airport, with witnesses reporting a loud explosion and a cloud of smoke. Flightradar24 showed aircraft circling above DXB in holding patterns.
Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, also announced it was halting all flights to and from Dubai until further notice, advising travelers: “Please do not go to the airport.”
The Dubai government said the incident caused “minor debris” but no injuries, and denied circulating social media reports suggesting more serious incidents.
“The air defences of the United Arab Emirates are currently responding to missile and drone threats coming from Iran,” the Emirati Ministry of Defence said, without specifying targets.
This is the latest in a series of attacks that have already affected Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including injuries at Dubai airport, damage to a terminal, strikes on the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab hotel, and a fire at the U.S. consulate from drone debris.