The United Arab Emirates reopened its airspace on Tuesday after a brief shutdown, as Iran continued missile and drone attacks in a conflict with the U.S. and Israel now in its third week.
The UAE’s Defense Ministry said Monday that air defenses have intercepted more than 300 ballistic missiles and 1,600 drones so far.
The General Civil Aviation Authority said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions and was made in coordination with relevant authorities. It added that real-time monitoring of the situation remains in place to ensure the highest levels of aviation safety.
The temporary but full closure of its airspace lasted nearly two hours, which the regulator said was an “exceptional precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews, and safeguarding the UAE’s territory, amid rapidly evolving regional security developments.”
The move followed disruptions at Dubai International Airport, which resumed a limited flight schedule on Monday after a drone strike hit a fuel depot and triggered a fire. Authorities said no injuries were reported from the strike, the fourth drone-related incident to occur at the airport.
