Flights heading for Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport were forced into holding patterns and diversions after another wave of missile and drone attacks targeted the United Arab Emirates on March 5.
Air traffic tracking showed dozens of aircraft circling in nearby airspace or diverting as UAE air-defense systems engaged incoming threats. The UAE Ministry of Defence said it intercepted six ballistic missiles and roughly 125 drones during the latest barrage, though one missile reportedly landed within the country and falling debris from interceptions injured six people in Abu Dhabi.
Witnesses near Abu Dhabi reported loud explosions as interceptors launched toward incoming targets, with emergency alerts advising residents to seek shelter while defenses were active.
Aviation operations across the UAE remain heavily disrupted. Major carriers including Emirates and Etihad Airways have suspended or sharply reduced scheduled services, while only limited flights—mainly repatriation, cargo, and essential passenger services—are operating through restricted airspace corridors. Airlines say schedules will gradually rebuild as conditions allow.
The strikes mark several consecutive days of hostilities affecting Gulf aviation hubs. Because Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve as key global transit points linking Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, even short-term disruptions are already rippling through airline networks worldwide.