(Image source from: Bbc.com)
Booms were heard in Dubai on Saturday, leading to flights being halted at the city's airport, which is the second busiest globally. Some flights later started again, but the airport urged passengers to check with their airlines before heading out for their trips. The authorities announced that they had activated air defense systems, while travelers at the airport found themselves guided down into train tunnels after the warning was issued. One observer informed AFP that they heard a blast above the airport, which was followed by a plume of smoke. Multiple residents spoke to The Associated Press, reporting blasts throughout the city. Emirates announced that "all flights to and from Dubai are on hold until further notice. " Passengers who had tickets booked between February 28 and March 31 were presented with choices to change their plans or ask for refunds. Previously, the Dubai government had dismissed claims of any occurrences at the international airport in the large city, despite videos showing smoke rising over the airport spreading on social media.
The media office of the Dubai government cleared up that no events took place at the airport. It also reported that no injuries were noted from a small incident in the city caused by debris falling. Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 indicated that only a few flights were operating over or around Dubai's airspace, even when the airport's official page showed numerous flights either arriving, leaving, or scheduled for those actions. The site indicated that delays at the airport were averaging between 60 and 90 minutes. In accordance with the airline's travel notice, flights will be available to Dubai Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Airport, Akrotiri Airport, and Fujairah International Airport. Return flights from these places in West Asia to Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad are also in operation to assist Indian citizens returning home. Reports from AFP noted that explosions were heard in Dubai as the multi-front conflict in the Middle East reached its eighth day. Four people working at Dubai airport were hurt, and a terminal was damaged last Saturday when fighting started after US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Attacks from Iran also struck the lavish Palm Jumeirah area and the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel, and debris from drones caused a fire at the US consulate in Dubai on Tuesday.
Explosions produced plumes of thick smoke in the Iranian capital early Saturday, and Tehran responded by launching missiles at Israel, as the United States cautioned about an imminent bombing operation that officials claimed would be the most severe yet in the ongoing conflict. There seemed to be no end in sight for the hostilities. The administration of U. S. President Donald Trump approved a new arms sale to Israel worth $151 million after Trump stated he would not engage in talks with Iran without its “unconditional surrender. ” Iran's ambassador to the U. N. declared that the nation would “take all necessary steps” to protect itself.
