Dubai Airport and Abu Dhabi's Zayed: One dead, several injured as missile threat grounds flights
An overnight escalation that has left one person dead and multiple people injured at major Gulf hubs has prompted widespread cancellations and grounded flights; Dubai Airport operations were affected as authorities checked damage and public safety concerns mounted.
Casualties and damage at Dubai Airport and Abu Dhabi's Zayed
One person has died and seven people were injured after an incident at Abu Dhabi's Zayed airport. An official social media post said the incident resulted in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries, gave no cause and urged against circulating rumours. At Dubai International, four staff were hurt when a concourse sustained minor damage, the city media office said.
Flights grounded and cancellations across the region
Flights to and from the UAE, Qatar, Israel and Bahrain are among those cancelled as Trump's war with Iran sparks tourist safety fears. It comes as many flights in and out of the Middle East have been cancelled due to US missile attacks on Iran and subsequent counterstrikes targeting American bases in the region. Flights from both airports were grounded on Saturday as a precaution.
Terminal damage and aviation indications
Aviation contacts indicated that one of the terminals had been damaged during an overnight Iranian attack. Details remain limited; the full cause of the incidents at the airports is unclear in the provided context.
Hotel fires, Burj al Arab facade and civil defence response
There was a minor fire on the facade of the city's iconic sail-shaped Burj al Arab hotel due to a drone interception. Civil Defence teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control, and no injuries have been reported, the city media office said. Another luxury hotel in the city was also damaged by fire earlier on Saturday, believed to have been caused by remnants from a falling missile.
UK travel advisory and guidance for British nationals
The UK Foreign Office has warned Britons in several Middle East countries to "immediately shelter in place" and to avoid travel to Israel and Palestine. The advice added: "Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities. " The Foreign Office said it was working round the clock to support British nationals affected, and UK citizens are being urged to sign up to Register Your Presence and travel advice emails so the Foreign Office can send them information.
Related headlines and wider context
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- Food safety warning issued over Dubai-style chocolate.
- Duchess of York offered to help secure PPE early in COVID-19 pandemic, inquiry hears.
The situation remains fluid. Recent updates indicate damage at both Abu Dhabi's Zayed and Dubai International airports, hotel fires tied to aerial incidents, and region-wide flight cancellations prompting international travel warnings. Details may evolve as officials release further statements.
