A series of explosions resonated across Dubai, compelling authorities to temporarily suspend flights at the city’s international airport, the second busiest in the world on Saturday.
The chaotic alerts sent passengers scurrying for safety as ominous clouds of smoke loomed over the facility, igniting fear and confusion among those awaiting their journeys.
This morning’s drone attack on Dubai Airport was likely meant to hit the radome tower but seems to have missed its target by a few meters. https://t.co/OUqaGK28zt pic.twitter.com/JoxVlkm5Op
— Arya – آریا (@AryJeay) March 7, 2026
According to witnesses, the explosions echoed above the airport, prompting the government’s immediate activation of air defences.
‘I saw a large cloud of smoke in the air,’ recalled one witness who spoke with AFP, starkly contrasting earlier reassurances from the Dubai government that dismissed any reports of an incident at the airport.
Dubai authorities have confirmed that a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception has been successfully contained. No injuries have been reported. Authorities have also denied reports circulating on social media regarding any incidents at Dubai…
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 7, 2026
Videos circulating on social media had already begun to raise alarms before the official word came through.
Despite clarifying that no injuries were reported from a minor incident related to falling debris elsewhere in the city, the chaos at Dubai International Airport underscored a growing sense of unease as the ongoing multi-front conflict in the Middle East entered its eighth day.
As tensions escalated, Emirates Airlines announced the resumption of its operations, providing much-needed clarity for those with travel plans.
The airline confirmed that passengers with bookings for Saturday afternoon flights may proceed to the airport and urged all travellers to confirm their flights before departure.
They also reassured customers that ‘the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised,’
Dubai Media office says falling shrapnel after air defense interception is what was seen recently over the city. Additional aircraft have now moved to a closer hold to the airport, though arrivals have not yet resumed. https://t.co/Xv8JfcamE6 https://t.co/B3xIaV3MpS pic.twitter.com/qylSriYrbS
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) March 7, 2026
However, the effects of the disruptions were visible across the air traffic landscape. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 reported a significantly reduced number of flights over Dubai airspace, contrasting the official airport website which indicated ongoing arrivals and departures albeit with substantial delays of 60 to 90 minutes on average.
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Picture: Raghed Waked / Gallo Images
