One person has died and at least seven others were injured after strikes struck major airports in the United Arab Emirates, as Iran launched a wave of retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region.
At Zayed International Airport, officials confirmed that an Asian national was killed and seven others sustained injuries following what was 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 explosion 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 sustained “minor damage in an incident that was quickly contained.” Emergency teams were immediately deployed, and four airport staff were treated for injuries.
“Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. 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,” officials said.
Footage circulating online showed smoke and debris inside Terminal 3, with passengers and airport workers running for cover. Flights had already been suspended earlier in the day due to regional airspace closures. Approximately 250,000 passengers pass through Dubai International Airport daily.Bahrain’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that Bahrain International Airport was also targeted by a drone strike. Authorities reported material damage but no casualties.
The ministry stated on X:
“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.”
Regional Escalation
The strikes follow warnings from Tehran that it “has no red lines” after large-scale U.S. and Israeli military operations earlier in the day. Iran reportedly launched missiles and drones at multiple Gulf countries, targeting U.S. military installations and critical infrastructure.
Thousands of travellers have been stranded after Iranian and Iraqi airspace closures forced aircraft to divert mid-flight. In Abu Dhabi, residents reported loud explosions, while hotels distributed refreshments to guests instructed to remain indoors amid falling missile debris.
A passenger on British Airways flight BA108 from Dubai to Heathrow said the aircraft had already completed boarding when the captain announced the closure of airspace.
Earlier, authorities released images showing fragments of intercepted rockets scattered across UAE streets. The airport incidents follow a strike on the luxury Fairmont The Palm, where four people were injured after debris from Iran’s missile barrage hit the property.
Explosions were also reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities after diplomatic talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme collapsed without agreement earlier in the week.
With missile exchanges intensifying and key transport hubs under threat, regional leaders have urged residents and visitors to rely on official updates as the volatile situation continues to unfold.
