Arab News
Arab
News,
Sun, Mar 01, 2026 | Ramadan 11, 1447
Dubai airport sustains damage from Iranian missile strike, four injured
Saudi Arabia:
Dubai’s international airport sustained damage during an overnight Iranian
attack on sites across the Arab Gulf states, Dubai Airports said early on
Sunday, confirming earlier reports.
In a tweet on X, the airport authority said four people were injured and the
necessary urgent medical assistance has been provided to them.
“Emergency response teams have been activated immediately, and the incident is
being handled in coordination with the relevant authorities,” the tweet said.
Dubai’s media office said also on X that “a concourse at Dubai International (DXB)
sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained,” without
giving further details.
Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have
suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on
Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements
issued via X.
Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights
due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.
The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and
security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely
monitoring developments with relevant authorities.
Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to
the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact
details associated with their bookings.
The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent
statement if available.
Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting
as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.
The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before
traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.
Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline
said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the
developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all
destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”
The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of
safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and
security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as
required.
Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and
advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center
for assistance.
All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al
Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by
Dubai Media Office on X.
Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused
disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily
suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.
The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant
authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments.
The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with
rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the
safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
In a statement, Etihad Airways also confirmed that all flights scheduled to
depart Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Sunday, March 1.
It also announced that all flights scheduled to arrive in Abu Dhabi before 14:00
UAE time on Sunday will be cancelled. Services scheduled to arrive after that
time are expected to operate, subject to operational conditions.
Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due
to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant
authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the
airspace reopens.
It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said
additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and
other key airports to assist passengers.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel
Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.
Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and
safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions,
while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the
situation continues to evolve.