UAE reopens airspace after brief full closure following drone strike

The United Arab Emirates has reopened its airspace after a temporary suspension triggered by Iranian missile and drone activity amid the ongoing regional conflict.

The General Civil Aviation Authority said flight operations have now returned to normal following a detailed safety review conducted in coordination with domestic and international agencies. The precautionary closure had been enforced to safeguard passengers, crew and national security as tensions escalated.

The move comes as the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States entered its 18th day, with hostilities spreading across the region.

Drone strikes hit key energy sites in the UAE, including a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, about 150 km from Dubai. Authorities said there were no casualties, and emergency teams quickly brought the blaze under control. Another fire at the Shah gas field in Abu Dhabi was also contained, though operations remain suspended for assessment.

Flight operations were briefly disrupted, with IndiGo reporting issues on services to and from Dubai after landing permissions at Dubai International Airport were temporarily halted. The airline advised passengers to check flight status before travelling. Meanwhile, Air India said its flights to destinations such as Muscat and Jeddah continue to operate as scheduled.

Across the Gulf, air defence systems were activated in response to incoming threats. Qatar said it intercepted 13 out of 14 ballistic missiles along with several drones, while Saudi Arabia reported neutralising multiple drones over its eastern region. Bahrain also reported intercepting several missiles and drones since the escalation began.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it carried out fresh strikes targeting Israeli military infrastructure and US-linked bases, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Israel reported further missile damage and expanded military operations into southern Lebanon, alongside continued air strikes near Beirut.

In Jerusalem, debris from intercepted missiles was found near key religious sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Explosions were also reported in northern Tehran near the Saadabad Palace complex, while Iraq condemned attacks targeting a Baghdad hotel, the US embassy and southern oil facilities, warning of broader risks to regional stability.