It has been an absolutely wild day for aviation (and world events more broadly), as the United States and Israel have attacked Iran, and Iran has retaliated, by sending drones and missiles to some nearby countries with US military bases. This has caused a huge number of flight cancelations and airspace closures, particularly impacting Gulf carriers. Well, here’s perhaps the most direct impact we’ve seen on aviation so far…
In this post:
Dubai Airport Terminal 3 struck by Iranian drone
While details remain fairly limited, an Iranian drone has struck Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, causing significant damage, and also some injuries. So far, the airport has released the following statement:
Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained. 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 of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Videos on social media are kind of shocking, and show the airport being evacuated, plus significant damage within the terminal. Reports suggest that “only” four people sustained injuries, so hopefully that’s accurate, and the injuries aren’t too serious (as I could’ve seen this being a lot worse).
The airport isn’t even the only place in Dubai to be struck. The Fairmont The Palm Dubai was also hit by a drone, and there ended up being a major fire there.
Dubai Airport remains closed until at least Sunday afternoon
As it currently stands, Dubai International Airport is closed until 3PM local time on Sunday, March 1, 2026. And that’s just a best case scenario reopening timeline, and I imagine it’s highly likely that this will be extended further.
Emirates shut down early Saturday morning, so to see the airline fully come to a stop for well over a day (at a minimum) is an incredibly rare event.
Bottom line
Dubai International Airport was struck by an Iranian drone today, with Terminal 3 sustaining serious damage, leading to injuries. It’s pretty terrifying to see the terminal of a major airport struck in this way, though I’m at least glad that there weren’t more injuries.
I hope that this conflict can be resolved in as positive of a way as possible. But I can’t help but feel like we’re about to enter a new era that’s going to come with some unpleasant realities. This all obviously has major geopolitical implications.
Treacherous attack on an American ally! Bet Trump will drop a "deuce" on "E-RON" tonight?
This hurts. Many of us have been through there. DXB is not and should not be a military target. It’s a civilian airport. Hope this will all end soon and that there will be a lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for the region again, including for a FREE Iranian people.
We rarely agree, but I stand shoulder-to-shoulder to you right now. This is completely abhorrent and Iran must and WILL pay.
Rod, you're the same fellow as behind the creative aliases on here, right?
Regardless, I sincerely do hope that Xi will not act on Taiwan, now or anytime soon. Instead, it would be nice to see collaboration with the West and the world, continued leadership in renewables, enhancing their own domestic services economy and welcoming tourism, instead of similar kinetic adventurism in his own neighborhood, because he should see that it often comes at...
Rod, you're the same fellow as behind the creative aliases on here, right?
Regardless, I sincerely do hope that Xi will not act on Taiwan, now or anytime soon. Instead, it would be nice to see collaboration with the West and the world, continued leadership in renewables, enhancing their own domestic services economy and welcoming tourism, instead of similar kinetic adventurism in his own neighborhood, because he should see that it often comes at a high cost (for Putin, +1 million lives and global standing; for ME, well, look-y here.)
I know it’s not that important in the grand scheme of things but I’m guessing we will be seeing the retirement of A380s sooner than we thought from Emirates and Etihad as a result of the inevitable downturn today will cause in travel to the region and by those airlines.
What a shame. And to think I had my bucket list Residence trip booked for a couple weeks from now. Sigh.
Bahrain, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi were also struck.
KWI was also hit with a drone.
I am shaking with rage reading this. Sympathizers of the Iranian 'regime' deserve what is going to be coming at them.
Russ, do you understand what “The Constitution” is? MAGA types do have selective memories these days it seems.
It's irrelevant now. Iran is attacking our bases in the middle east, not to mention our terrific allies. Now we have full cause. We have played Iran like a fiddle. Your wing doesn't get playing the long game. Not intelligent enough sadly.
Maybe go listen to your compatriots MTG and ol Tucker and maybe you will start to think one level deeper
I suggest you refrain from speaking about things you know nothing about. What are your qualifications in international relations? Based off your idiotic, poorly though-out, nonsensical comments, they are very clearly non-existent.
So to set you very clearly straight: the constitution does not require congress to issue a formal declaration of war, and beyond that the President can declare war under the War Powers Resolution in circumstances where involvement in hostilities is indicated by...
I suggest you refrain from speaking about things you know nothing about. What are your qualifications in international relations? Based off your idiotic, poorly though-out, nonsensical comments, they are very clearly non-existent.
So to set you very clearly straight: the constitution does not require congress to issue a formal declaration of war, and beyond that the President can declare war under the War Powers Resolution in circumstances where involvement in hostilities is indicated by the circumstances.
Get a grip on reality before speaking of things you have no knowledge of, so as to not embarrass yourself in the future.
Russ, just another MAGA cuck who would be up in arms if 46 had done this. Now, no big deal! Didn’t you and your brethren vote for an “America First” prez? lol.
The Nov blue wave can’t come soon enough.
It is obvious that neither one of you is the least bit objective, but at least Russ is coming from a place of partial accuracy -
Russ is correct that the Constitution does not require a formal declaration of war for the President to respond to active hostilities. Article II designates the President as Commander in Chief, and historically that authority has included the power to repel attacks and protect U.S. forces without waiting for...
It is obvious that neither one of you is the least bit objective, but at least Russ is coming from a place of partial accuracy -
Russ is correct that the Constitution does not require a formal declaration of war for the President to respond to active hostilities. Article II designates the President as Commander in Chief, and historically that authority has included the power to repel attacks and protect U.S. forces without waiting for Congress to convene.
The War Powers Resolution recognizes this reality - it requires notification and sets time limits, but it does not prohibit immediate defensive action. When U.S. bases or personnel are attacked, the President not only can respond, but he has a responsibility to do so.
Darryl, you just got owned.
Man the MAGA brains are increasingly infected with a case of the ignorant & stupid
Ans I was owned how? Feel free to fact-check but the constant "MAGA" comments and insults aren't helping your case.
Darryl, rub your eyes and watch the news - the US wasn’t attacked and “responding to hostilities”. JFC it is genuinely embarrassing your ilk twist yourself into knots defending this senile warmonger.
UA,
What Darryl said is exactly correct....
One observes the predictable eruption of commentary from the self-anointed arbiters of profundity. For it is always the same pageant, bold declarations, emphatic punctuation, and the triumphant belief that noise equates to nuance. The spectacle unfolds precisely as one would expect from the likes of UA-NYC and Rod, vigorous in assertion, economical in depth.
And yet, one must not be too harsh. The proletariat of discourse thrives on immediacy. It is sustained by reaction rather...
One observes the predictable eruption of commentary from the self-anointed arbiters of profundity. For it is always the same pageant, bold declarations, emphatic punctuation, and the triumphant belief that noise equates to nuance. The spectacle unfolds precisely as one would expect from the likes of UA-NYC and Rod, vigorous in assertion, economical in depth.
And yet, one must not be too harsh. The proletariat of discourse thrives on immediacy. It is sustained by reaction rather than reflection. It celebrates the first volley as though it were the final word.
Meanwhile, those inclined toward structural comprehension recognize that events rarely bend to the emotional whims of the commentariat. They unfold according to forces far more intricate than a slogan or a sneer.
But do continue.
The theatre requires its actors. And every stage, however modest, deserves its chorus.
Iran is attacking US military installations not for no reason, but in response to US attacks. And the latter were clearly for no reason (pitiful bleating by U.S. envoy at the UN about "Iran trying to kill President Trump" doesn't count).
Overall, this aggressive and unpredictable foreign policy doesn't do any good to the US. Who will want to have any diplomatic relations with the US now, after all this? Things like killing negotiators,...
Iran is attacking US military installations not for no reason, but in response to US attacks. And the latter were clearly for no reason (pitiful bleating by U.S. envoy at the UN about "Iran trying to kill President Trump" doesn't count).
Overall, this aggressive and unpredictable foreign policy doesn't do any good to the US. Who will want to have any diplomatic relations with the US now, after all this? Things like killing negotiators, targeting nations' leadership. Counting on military might alone - well, no military budgets and no might will ever be enough to force everyone we want into anything we want.
With talks of aerial bombardment continuing for at least a week, I wonder if the ME3 are looking at contingency plans. Most passengers don’t originate or terminate in the UAE or Qatar, and connect from Europe and North America to parts of Asia and Australia anyway. I wonder if we could see temporary permission sought for nonstop flights e.g. LHR-BOM operating with displaced ME3 planes? Or flights from DUB or LHR to SYD with a technical stop in SIN or something…
With talks of aerial bombardment continuing for at least a week, I wonder if the ME3 are looking at contingency plans. Most passengers don’t originate or terminate in the UAE or Qatar, and connect from Europe and North America to parts of Asia and Australia anyway. I wonder if we could see temporary permission sought for nonstop flights e.g. LHR-BOM operating with displaced ME3 planes? Or flights from DUB or LHR to SYD with a technical stop in SIN or something…
@Ben Zayed airport has been hit now
Abu Dhabi Airports says one dead in ‘incident’ at Zayed International Airport
Drone intercepted causing fire at Burj Al Arab hotel in UAE
Thankfully many were safely spared. Also I can't help but think we have opened Pandora's box.
I am certain that the UAE just told the US to finish off whatever is left of Iran.
THe UAE will be back
They might be lining up to a seat at The Peace Committee II which will manage a transition government and set up a second hub for EK in Iran.
A geopolitical/military expert, too! Amazing multidisciplinary talents.
A Sunday reopening is a laugh. Try June or July.
Delta will be the flag carrier of Iran. They will use all five A350-900s.
Wtf!?!?!
@Tim Dunn
I didn't expect you to comment shit like a kid. Have you forgotten what UAE is doing in Sudan? And why is USA fighting Israel's war when now the whole world has known the Zionists are the greatest terrorists in the world.
Easy, Vikram. Go easy on the 'juice.' This isn't a global-conspiracy. Sure, it's certainly a useful distraction for both Trump and Netanyahu, but let's be clear, the Iranian regime is not great for the region or its own people, but-for the mullahs, maybe. So, yeah, UAE, QR, KSA, etc. are ironically more aligned with Israel and US in this. Time to unite the region and bring peace, self-determination prosperity to all. Long-overdue.