Operations at the Dubai International Airport have been temporarily suspended after a drone attack struck an area near the airport’s terminals on Saturday, sending shockwaves through one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
The government said it had activated air defenses, even as passengers waiting for flights out of Dubai found themselves ushered down into train tunnels at the sprawling airfield after the alert sounded.
A witness also told AFP that an explosion was heard over the airport, followed by a cloud of smoke in the air. Several residents told The Associated Press about explosions across the city.
Emirates said that “all flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until further notice”. Customers who booked to travel between February 28 till March 31 were given options to rebook or request for a refund.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said an investigation is underway to determine the origin of the drone and whether additional threats remain. Meanwhile, security across key infrastructure in the country has been placed on heightened alert.
