A drone attack on a major airport in Dubai forced a UK-bound flight to return. Dubai International Airport suspended operations after an Iranian drone struck a nearby fuel tank, causing a fire early Monday. The Emirates flight EK24, which departed Edinburgh at 9.26pm GMT on Sunday and was scheduled to land in Dubai at 6.49am on Monday, had to turn back over Egypt.
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed that the flight returned to Edinburgh due to operational disruption. Amidst fears of a global energy crisis, concerns persisted as Iranian strikes in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted shipping. The Strait, crucial for oil transportation, saw a significant slowdown due to the attacks, leading to a surge in oil prices.
Further tensions arose with Iranian state television broadcasting footage of missile launches by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting locations in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel. The situation prompted discussions among leaders, including the UK Prime Minister, to address the crisis without escalating into a broader conflict in the Middle East.
In Jerusalem, missile shrapnel from an interception landed near the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, close to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. While there were no immediate reports of injuries, the incident highlighted the increasing hostilities in the region. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority advised passengers to stay updated with their airlines as some flights resumed at Dubai International Airport following the drone attack.
Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of preventing armed groups from destabilizing the country further. The situation escalated with UN peacekeepers in Lebanon encountering armed attacks during patrols, raising concerns about the security in the region. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority ensured passenger safety by temporarily halting air traffic as a precautionary measure.