Dubai The international airport is being evacuated after “an incident” amid reports it was hit by an Iranian suicide drone as Tehran today launched drone strikes across the Middle East in retaliation for US airstrikes.
Dramatic footage shows passengers at Dubai's main international airport fleeing one of its terminals, with airport officials confirming four staff members were injured.
Videos posted on social media also showed smoke filling the airport terminal, one of the busiest in the world.
Other images show parts of the airport deserted after passengers were forced to evacuate the terminal, which was damaged by the incident.
The airport, which is the second busiest in the world, remains closed with hundreds of flights canceled and passengers have been warned not to travel due to the ongoing unrest.
It is one of several airports damaged in Iranian retaliatory strikes, with at least one person killed and seven others injured at Abu Dhabi airport, while Kuwait's airport was also hit.
“Dubai Airport confirms that a concourse at Dubai International Airport (DXB) suffered minor damage during an incident, which was quickly brought under control,” a statement said.
“Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities.
“Four staff members were injured and received prompt medical treatment.
“Due to the emergency plans already in place, most terminals were previously emptied of passengers. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Dramatic footage shows passengers at Dubai's main international airport fleeing the airport following reports of a strike at one of its terminals.
Footage shows passengers leaving Dubai Airport after one of its terminals was hit by an Iranian drone.
The terminal at Dubai International Airport is covered in smoke after being hit by an Iranian drone.
Dubai airport deserted after being evacuated after being hit by Iranian revenge attack
Dubai Airports earlier today suspended all flights at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport until further notice, urging passengers not to travel following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Earlier today, Dubai Airports urged passengers not to travel and suspended all flights at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport until further notice.
A similar “incident” also occurred at Abu Dhabi airport, which left at least one person killed and seven injured, officials said on Sunday.
The body that manages Zayed International Airport said in a statement published on X: “Abu Dhabi Airports has confirmed an incident at Zayed International Airport which resulted in the death of an Asian national and seven injuries.”
This comes after the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in several Iranian cities on Saturday, including the offices of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, sending explosions and plumes of smoke above the capital, Tehran.
The attack provoked retaliation from Iran, with missiles targeting Israel and countries in the Middle East.
British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, PalestineQatar and the United Arab Emirates should register their presence with the British Government to receive updates on the situation in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said.
In a statement released on Saturday evening on
“You should continue to follow travel advice and advice from local authorities.”
Major airlines have canceled flights to the region over the coming days and UK airports are advising passengers to keep in touch with their airlines for updates.
In a statement on its website, the FCDO said: “Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we advise against all travel to Israel and Palestine.
British nationals in the region are urged to take “reasonable precautions”, including following advice from regional authorities, staying away from military installations and ensuring their travel documents are up to date.
Advice on the FCDO website also warns British nationals in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait to “immediately shelter in place”.
“Stay indoors in a safe location, avoid travel, and follow instructions from local authorities,” the update said.
The United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in several Iranian cities on Saturday, including the offices of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, sending explosions and plumes of smoke above the capital, Tehran.
In a televised speech Saturday evening, the Israeli prime minister said airstrikes in Iran had destroyed the Supreme Leader's compound, and added that “all indications show that this tyrant is no longer with us.”
Iran has so far launched revenge attacks across the region, with missile strikes in Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
The famous five-star Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel in Dubai was hit by a Shahed suicide drone launched from Iranleaving four injured.
Another popular hotel in Dubai, the Burj Al-Arab Hotel is also on fire after being “hit by an Iranian suicide drone”.
Suicide drones have also attacked residential skyscrapers in Bahrain, while missiles launched from Iran hit US bases in 2017. QatarKuwait and Abu Dhabi.
Footage captured the moment the Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel in Dubai was hit, and the exterior facade of the building was set ablaze by a high-speed Shahed drone.
The attack came as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes across the Middle East following the joint US-Israeli attack on Tehran earlier in the day.
Tehran struck the Fifth Fleet service center in Manama, Bahrain, and claims to have hit bases across the region, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.
Footage shows the Burj Al-Arab hotel on fire after being hit by a suspected Shahed suicide drone launched from Iran hours after US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
The Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel was hit by a Shahed suicide drone launched from Iran hours after the US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
Suicide drones also attacked residential skyscrapers in Bahrain
Smoke rises from a burning building in Bahrain, possibly the luxury Era View Tower hit by an Iranian drone strike
Footage captured as five-star Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel was hit and set on fire by Iranian missile
Four people were reported injured in the attack, according to the Dubai Media Office, with witnesses saying ambulances rushed to the scene.
A huge fireball erupted towards the top of the high-rise building, with debris scattering and falling onto the surroundings below. We do not know at this stage if there are any victims.
Smoke rises after Iran launches missile strike on US 5th Fleet main headquarters in Bahrain
The United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in several Iranian cities on Saturday, including the offices of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, sending explosions and plumes of smoke above the capital, Tehran.
Israeli media outlet Channel 12 said anonymous Israeli sources revealed there were “growing indications” that the leader had been killed in airstrikes this morning or that he was “at least injured”'.
Iran has so far launched revenge attacks across the region, with missile strikes in Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Videos posted on social media showed the famous Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel – popular with tourists – on fire, with plumes of smoke rising into the sky, which Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper condemned in a call with her Emirati counterpart.
The speed of the missile – which is said to be capable of flying at least five times faster than the speed of sound – can be heard on video footage cutting through the air before bearing down on the hotel.
Located a half-hour's drive from Dubai International Airport, rooms at this opulent hotel cost an average of £292 per night, while guests wanting a more upscale stay in the Presidential Suite can spend upwards of £828 per night.
The hotel is located on Dubai's famous artificial island, The Palm.
Hundreds of thousands of British nationals are currently present in the Gulf.
