One person has been killed and at least seven others injured after missile strikes targeted major airports in the United Arab Emirates, as Iran launched a wave of retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region.
Authorities confirmed that an incident occurred at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi late Saturday, resulting in the death of an Asian national and injuries to seven others.
In an official statement, Abu Dhabi Airports said: “An incident took place at Zayed International Airport, resulting in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries.
The public is urged to avoid circulating rumours and to rely only on official sources. Updates will be provided.”
Separately, an explosion struck Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for international travel, causing smoke to billow through a terminal and prompting evacuations.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed that a concourse sustained “minor damage in an incident that was quickly contained.”
Officials added: “Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention. Due to contingency plans already in place, most terminals had previously been cleared of passengers. Further updates will be provided as they become available.”
Video circulating on social media showed smoke and debris inside Terminal 3, with passengers and airport staff running for cover.
Flights had already been suspended earlier in the day amid widespread regional airspace closures, disrupting travel across the Middle East. Dubai International Airport handles approximately 250,000 passengers daily.
Bahrain’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that Bahrain International Airport was also targeted. In a post on X, the ministry said the airport had been struck by a drone, resulting in material damage but no casualties, and that authorities were taking steps to secure the site.
The attacks follow Iran’s warning that it “has no red lines” after large-scale US and Israeli military operations earlier in the day. Tehran launched missiles and drones at multiple Gulf countries, targeting US military installations and key infrastructure.
The escalating conflict has left thousands of travellers stranded, as closures of Iranian and Iraqi airspace forced aircraft to divert mid-flight.
Travellers in Abu Dhabi reported hearing loud explosions, while hotels distributed refreshments to guests advised to remain indoors due to falling debris.
Mike Boreham, a passenger on British Airways flight BA108 from Dubai to Heathrow, said the aircraft had been fully boarded when the captain announced that airspace had been closed.
“We were all boarded. The flight is completely full. About 10 minutes after the ‘boarding complete’ announcement we were told airspace is closed,” he said.
Earlier, authorities released images showing fragments of intercepted rockets scattered across city streets in the UAE.
The airport incidents follow a strike on the luxury Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, where four people were injured after debris from Iran’s missile barrage struck the property.
Explosions were also reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, after diplomatic talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme collapsed without agreement earlier this week.
As missile exchanges intensify and key transport hubs remain under threat, regional leaders have urged residents and visitors to follow official guidance while the situation continues to develop.
