Emirates temporarily suspends Dubai flight operations amid drone strike, escalating tensions
The airline issued an alert on X, informing travellers that operations had been halted following a security incident.
PTC News Desk: Emirates have suspended its flight operations from and to Dubai amid escalating Middle East tensions. The airline issued an alert on X, informing travellers that operations had been halted following a security incident. "All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended. Please do not go to the airport," the airline wrote on X.
Emirates added that passenger safety remained its top priority. "Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised," it added.
Authorities in Dubai said flight operations were suspended after a drone struck a fuel tank at the airport, triggering a fire and forcing an immediate halt to air traffic. The incident comes at a time when escalating tensions in the Middle East are already having a serious impact on regional aviation.
In a related development, an Emirates flight travelling from Kochi to Dubai had to return mid-air following the sudden closure of the airport. According to officials at Cochin International Airport, Flight EK533 departed at 4:30 am with 325 passengers on board. However, while en route, the aircraft was instructed to turn back and it later landed safely in Kochi at around 8:30 am.