An explosion was reported in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport on Saturday, with a witness telling AFP that a cloud of smoke was seen rising into the sky as tensions escalated following attacks by Iran across the Gulf region.
Information from flight-tracking service Flightradar24 indicated that several aircraft were seen circling above the airport, apparently placed in holding patterns as authorities assessed the situation.
Earlier in the week, limited flight operations had resumed at the airport widely regarded as the world’s busiest hub for international passengers despite repeated drone attacks targeting sites in the United Arab Emirates.
Reacting to the development, the Dubai Media Office said in a post on X that the situation stemmed from “a minor incident caused by falling debris after an interception.”
The agency also refuted claims circulating online suggesting a major incident at the airport.
Authorities had previously confirmed that four airport workers were injured and part of a concourse damaged during a similar incident last Saturday, which occurred after tensions escalated following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.
At the time, Dubai Airports said the situation was quickly brought under control but did not release further details.
Reports also indicated that Iranian strikes have affected other locations across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi International Airport, the upscale Palm Jumeirah development and the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel.
In addition, debris from a drone reportedly ignited a fire at the United States Consulate General Dubai earlier in the week, raising fresh concerns over security in the emirate.
