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Iranian Strikes Cripple Gulf Air Travel as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha Stay Largely Shut

The closures stem from Iranian missile and drone barrages that reached key Gulf transport hubs.

Overview

  • Flight data showed thousands of cancellations on Sunday and limited operations at major hubs for a second day, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha restricting services and advising passengers to stay away.
  • UAE officials said air defenses intercepted large salvos and reported minor damage at Dubai International with four staff injured, and a separate strike at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International that killed one person and injured seven.
  • Debris from interceptions ignited fires at civilian sites in Dubai, including the Burj Al Arab facade, a berth at Jebel Ali Port and a hotel on Palm Jumeirah, with emergency crews containing the incidents.
  • Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported a missile targeting the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters and ordered evacuations in Manama’s Juffair district, while interceptions were reported over Doha and damage was cited at Bahrain International Airport.
  • Major carriers extended suspensions and reroutings, with Emirates halting Dubai operations until Monday afternoon, Etihad pausing Abu Dhabi flights until early Monday, Qatar Airways awaiting a Monday update, and multiple international airlines canceling services as foreign governments issued safety and travel advisories.