Dubai airport LIVE: Horror scenes after second 'attack' as smoke rises from city
Terrifying images from inside Dubai airport emerged amid claims that Iran had launched a series of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East
by Paige Ingram, Olivia Bridge, Mariam Khan, Emma O'Neill · The MirrorDubai Airport has reportedly been hit by a second blast after earlier an strike left one person dead and seven injured. Footage circulating online appeared to show chaos inside the airport following reports of a drone strike.
Emirates has extended its suspension of all flights amid ongoing regional airspace closures. Thousands of passengers facing disruption and around 240,000 British nationals currently in the UAE urged to stay alert as authorities manage widespread chaos.
Shocking scenes from the first attack on the airport circulating on social media appeared to show injured people trying to escape Dubai International Airport as smoke filled the halls. Footage shared on X showed passengers inside the airport following reports that the major international hub had been struck by a drone.
Drone debris has also injured two people in Dubai after being intercepted, while smoke and flashing lights have been seen near Jebel Ali Port. Elsewhere in the UAE, a shopping mall in Sharjah has reportedly been engulfed in flames with thick black smoke billowing from the site, and authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding after drone debris fell on a building at Etihad Towers.
Iran has launched a series of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. The reported strikes followed overnight military action by the United States and Israel, prompting heightened tensions across the region.
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10:54Mariam Khan
Two injured after drone debris falls in Abu Dhabi
Two people, including a child, have reportedly been injured after debris from a drone fell in Abu Dhabi as strikes continue across the Middle East.
Authorities are understood to be responding to the incident in the UAE capital amid ongoing regional attacks and air defence interceptions.
10:48KEY EVENT
Everything that’s happened so far and how it’s affecting the UAE
If you’ve just joined our live coverage, then here is a concise breakdown of everything that has happened so far and it's impact on the UAE.
Yesterday, (Saturday) tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel exploded into open military escalation after coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeted sites inside Iran, triggering immediate retaliation across the region. Following earlier speculation, it was confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed.
The US-Israel strikes were reported to have hit military and strategic facilities inside and around Iranian territory, with officials confirming significant damage and announcing the deaths of senior figures.
In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, with explosions and air raid alerts reported in Gulf countries including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Regional airspace closures followed quickly as authorities moved to contain the fallout and protect civilians.
In the UAE, authorities reported incidents involving intercepted drones and falling debris, with damage and injuries confirmed at several locations. Major transport hubs, including Dubai Airport, was hit by disruption as operations were paused and travellers continue to face chaos amid the unfolding crisis.
According to the UAE's defence ministry, yesterday, Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at the UAE, with fires and smoke reported at landmarks including The Palm and Burj Al Arab. At least one person was killed and seven others injured at an incident at Abu Dhabi Airport.
World leaders have warned that the rapid escalation risks pushing the region closer to wider conflict, with diplomatic calls for restraint growing as both sides signal further action.
Read more about the broader conflict on our live blog
10:30Mariam Khan
Iran says killing of Supreme Leader 'declaration of war'
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing has been described as a "declaration of war against Muslims" by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran’s president has insisted revenge is a "legitimate right and duty" in a statement released. Masoud Pezeshkian has said the killing amounts to an "open war against Muslims."
The statement come amidst Iran's targetting of it's neighbouring countries in the region.
10:26Mariam Khan
UK Ambassador tells Brits to stay put
The UK Ambassador to the UAE, Edward Hobart, has issued guidance to British nationals in the country, including residents, visitors and those in transit, urging them to “shelter in place” and “stay informed” and "following official guidelines."
He warned people not to travel to the airport unless their airline has confirmed it is safe to do so and said his team is closely monitoring the situation.
09:41Mariam Khan
Emirates extends flight suspension amid ongoing airspace closures
Emirates has extended its suspension of all operations to and from Dubai until 15:00 UAE time on March 2 due to continued regional airspace closures.
The airline had previously paused services until March 1 but has now prolonged the disruption as travel restrictions remain in place. Passengers booked to travel before or on March 5 are being offered options to rebook within 20 days of their original departure or request a refund.
Travellers are advised to check flight status before heading to the airport and ensure their contact details are updated to receive the latest information. Emirates said it is monitoring the situation closely and working with relevant authorities, stressing that safety remains its priority.
09:35Mariam Khan
Shopping mall in Sharjah engulfed in flames as black smoke billows
A shopping mall in Sharjah is engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the building.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show the blaze, authorities have yet to confirm the cause or report on any casualties.
09:27Mariam Khan
Tourists forced to sleep underground as strikes continue
Tourists in Dubai have reportedly been forced to spend last night on mattresses in hotel basements and parking garages as the city faces ongoing strikes.
It's been reported that guests at the five-star hotel in Jumeirah have been woken in the middle of the night and evacuated underground for safety. A social media video being circulated shows, hundreds of makeshift sleeping spaces have been set up on lower levels and in parking areas.
Air raid alerts were sent to smartphones as authorities urged people to take cover amid fears of further attacks.
09:22Mariam Khan
Drone debris falls on Abu Dhabi landmark
Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to an incident in which debris from a drone, intercepted by air defence systems, fell onto the facade of a building at Etihad Towers, according to a statement from the media office.
09:06Mariam Khan
Dubai Airport faces second hit
Dubai Airport has reportedly been hit by another blast, just one day after earlier strikes by Iran which left one person dead and seven injured.
07:53Mariam Khan
Jebel Ali Port fire
Video circulating on social media appears to show debris, plumes of smoke and flashing blue lights in what is alleged to be the aftermath in the Jebel Ali area.
The Jebel Ali Port is alleged to receieve US military vessels.
07:40Mariam Khan
Drone debris injures two in Dubai
Authorities have confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell into the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, injuring two people. The injured have received the necessary medical treatment.
Officials added that the loud sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations.
07:37Mariam Khan
Almost a quarter of a million Brits in Dubai right now
Around 240,000 British nationals are estimated to be living in Dubai and the wider UAE, making them one of the largest expatriate groups in the country. With the region now facing missile strikes and airspace closures, many Britons currently in Dubai are being urged to take safety precautions and stay informed through official channels.
07:34Mariam Khan
Thousands of passengers facing chaos
Dubai International Airport (DXB) processed an unprecedented 324,000 passengers on 3 January 2026 and a further 322,000 on 4 January, averaging around 200,000 travellers daily. Known as the world's busiest airport, with the airspace now closed in Dubai, significant disruption is expected for passengers including Brits travelling through the country and those in the Dubai.
07:11Mariam Khan
Airspaces across the region have closed
Countries across the Middle East have shut down their airspace amid the conflict following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain have all closed their skies, and there was no flight activity recorded over the United Arab Emirates after its government announced a "temporary and partial closure" of its airspace, according to FlightRadar24 data.
06:47Paige Ingram
British Airways issues critical flight change update
Travellers will need to "get creative" if they want to fly in the coming days, an expert has cautioned, with hundreds of thousands of people stranded or rerouted to alternative airports following widespread airspace closures throughout the Middle East.
06:13Paige Ingram
Loud blasts heard over Dubai and Doha for second day after Iran strikes
Witnesses reported several loud blasts in the Dubai area and over the Qatari capital, Doha, for a second day. It comes after Iranian retaliatory strikes on neighbouring Gulf states in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic.
Iran has said it will target U.S. bases in the region and has struck a range of other sites.
05:57Paige Ingram
Emirates confirms when flights will resume
Airlines serving the Middle East cancelled or diverted a large number of flights on Saturday in the wake of US and Israeli airstrikes against on Iran - Emirates have issued an update.
23:57Paige Ingram
Jebel Ali Port fire
23:52Paige Ingram
One dead after incident at Abu Dhabi airport
A person has died at Zayed International in Abu Dhabi. A statement obtained by SkyNews reads: "Abu Dhabi Airports has confirmed that an incident took place at Zayed International Airport and resulted in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries.
"The public is urged to avoid circulating rumours and to rely only on official sources. Updates will be provided."
23:01Emma O'Neill
People seen evacuating airport earlier
A horrifying image shows airport passengers allegedly evacuating the airport after strikes on Saturday.
22:56Olivia Bridge
'Eerie' scenes in Dubai International Airport
Additional unconfirmed footage posted on X appears to show eerie scenes in Dubai International Aiport after its evacuation order.
As footage showed dozens of passengers ran for the emergency exits following reports of a possible attack on the airport, another video shows the harrowing aftermath.
Not a single person could be seen across the smoke-filled lounge. With the distant sound of alarms blaring and dozens of rows of empty seats, it's a rare sight for the world's busiest international aiport.
22:55Emma O'Neill
More footage from inside the airport
More footage appears to show the inside of the airport, still filled with smoke.
22:49Olivia Bridge
Trump celebrates Ali Khamenei's death
The apparent attacks on Dubai come within hours of the US President appearing to confirm the death of the Iranian supreme leader.
Earlier reports suggested Ali Khamenei's body was found "in rubble" after US strikes on the capital. Israeli PM Benjamin Netenyahu later said intelligence tipped there were "growing signs" that the leader was "gone".
Writing on Truth Social, Trump later announced "justice" had been served.
"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many countries throughout the world, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs," he wrote.
22:39Olivia Bridge
'Drone' incident at Burj Al Arab
In a statement on X, Dubai Media Office said an incident at the Burj Al Arab has unfolded after a 'drone was intercepted'.
The luxurious hotel appears to come as the third building possibly targeted by Iran, following The Fairmont Palm and Dubai International Aiport.
The office said in a statement: "Authorities confirm that a drone was intercepted, and debris caused a minor fire on the Burj Al Arab's outer facade. Civil Defence teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries have been reported."
22:36Olivia Bridge
Injured seen running through Dubai International Airport
Dozens of harrowing videos on social media appear to show passengers running through a smoke-filled airport. In one, a woman appears to have blood on her face as she makes her way to the exits.
It is understood the airport is now being evacuated after an 'incident', with reports it was struck by a possible Iranian suicide drone as Tehran continues its assault on the Middle East in revenge attacks against US air strikes.
22:34Emma O'Neill
Confirmed injuries at Dubai airport
Dubai Media Office confirmed four people have been injured.
In a statement they said: "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."
22:33Olivia Bridge
Dubai 'in flames' after Iran revenge strikes
The news Dubai International Airport has been 'attacked' comes as the city reported chaos today.
The Fairmont Hotel sitting in the man-made iconic Palm Jumeriah area turned into a burning inferno after what appeared to be a missile strike.
Residents across the region described a "nightmare" situation, with loud explosion sounds while saying they felt their "windows shake". Further footage showed people running for shelter as air rais sirens sounded.
Flames also appeared to break out near the City Walk, near the Burj Khalifa.
22:33Emma O'Neill
Horror inside the airport
Unconfirmed footage on X show the scenes inside Dubai airport.
People are seen running for safety in the smoke.
22:33Emma O'Neill
Video captured inside airport
A video appeared to capture the inside of Dubai airport.
In it, smoke blankets the hallways as people run to escape the building.
Alarms can be heard blaring as the sprinkler system floods the hallway with water.
22:33KEY EVENT
'Incident' at Dubai airport
Officials in Dubai confirmed they were responding to an ongoing incident at the airport.
In a statement, Dubai media office said: "Dubai Airports has confirmed an incident at Dubai International Airport (DXB) just moments ago.
"Emergency response teams have been activated immediately, and the incident is being handled in coordination with the relevant authorities.
"This has resulted in four injuries, and the necessary urgent medical assistance has been provided to them."