Burj Khalifa Evacuated, Dubai Flights Suspended After Iranian Missile Strike
Coin Newsweek – February 28, 2026 – The United Arab Emirates came under direct fire on Saturday as Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting the country. The attack, confirmed by the UAE Ministry of Defense as a “blatant attack,” resulted in the death of one Asian national in Abu Dhabi and led to the evacuation of the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai. All flight operations at Dubai International Airport have been suspended indefinitely.
Ministry Confirms “Blatant Attack” with Ballistic Missiles
The UAE Ministry of Defense reported that Iranian ballistic missiles targeted the country, describing the act as a “dangerous escalation and a cowardly act” that violates national sovereignty and international law. While UAE air defense systems successfully intercepted several missiles, shrapnel from the interceptions fell on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, tragically killing one Asian national and causing property damage.
Residents across Abu Dhabi received emergency alerts warning of “potential missile threats” and instructing them to seek shelter. Witnesses in Dubai also reported hearing loud explosions, though authorities have not clarified whether these were direct strikes or the result of interceptions.
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Airports Ground to a Halt
In an unprecedented move, Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa was fully evacuated amid fears of further strikes. Meanwhile, Dubai Airports confirmed the suspension of all flight operations at both Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest international hubs, and Dubai World Centre – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) until further notice. Passengers have been urged not to travel to the airports and to contact their airlines directly.
Home carrier Emirates, the world’s largest long-haul airline, announced it had suspended all operations to and from Dubai due to multiple regional airspace closures. Its sister airline, flydubai, and low-cost carrier Air Arabia also followed suit, canceling all flights from their UAE bases.
Regional Airspace Closures Trigger Global Aviation Chaos
The strikes prompted a cascade of airspace closures across the Middle East. Following Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, Gulf nations including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman shut their airspace to civilian air traffic. This has effectively severed major air routes between Europe and Asia.
Europe’s aviation safety regulator, EASA, issued a high-risk warning for the Middle East and the Gulf, advising airlines to avoid the affected airspace. The warning cited the “high risk to civil aviation” posed by ongoing military intervention and the potential for retaliatory actions.
Major international carriers, including Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Air France, and Air India, have canceled or suspended flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and other destinations across the region. Flightradar24 data showed airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan almost completely empty of civilian aircraft.
US Mission Advises Americans to Shelter in Place
The U.S. mission in the UAE instructed all staff at the embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai to remain in shelter. In a statement, they recommended that “all Americans in the UAE do the same until further notice.”
Sources: Reuters, The National, NV, The Times of India, Pakistan Observer, TVBS
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