Gulf aviation chaos: Over 20,000 passengers stranded as UAE airspace closed amid missile attacks

Dubai: More than 20,000 passengers are stranded in the UAE following Iranian missile attacks targeting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Bahrain airports. UAE authorities confirmed that 20,200 passengers have been relocated to safe areas and hotels, with food, water, and essential services provided.

At Dubai International Airport, around 20% of staff across various departments remain present but have been instructed not to resume work until further notice.

Emirates and Gulf Airlines suspend flights

Emirates Airlines announced the temporary suspension of all services to and from Dubai for three days, effective Sunday evening, due to the closure of UAE airspace. Passengers holding tickets for the next three days are eligible to rebook within ten days or request full refunds. The airline urged travellers to check the status of flights before heading to the airport.The Khaleej Times reported that over 700 flights in the Gulf region have been cancelled. On Sunday, 716 out of 4,329 flights operating in the Pan-Asia network were cancelled, and additional cancellations are expected. Major carriers affected include Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, Indigo, Air India Express, Air India, British Airways, Saudia, and Oman Air.

Also Read| ‘Extremely tense and scary’: PV Sindhu after explosion near Dubai Airport

Casualties and airport damage

The Iranian missile strikes resulted in fatalities and injuries across the affected airports. One person was killed, and seven were injured at Abu Dhabi International Airport, while Dubai International Airport saw four injuries. Bahrain Airport also sustained damage in the attacks, with four reported injuries.