An Emirates flight from Thiruvananthapuram bound for Dubai returned midway and safely landed back at Thiruvananthapuram Airport after departing early Monday morning, following a temporary closure of Dubai International Airport due to a drone-related security incident that forced a suspension of operations at the destination.
The flight, carrying around 353 passengers and 19 crew members, turned back and landed at about 8:40 am IST after originally departing at 4:40 am. The decision came as authorities at Dubai International Airport temporarily halted all arrivals and departures after a drone attack reportedly caused a fire near the airport, prompting the security closure.
Dubai authorities said the fire was contained and there were no reported injuries, but the incident disrupted normal flight operations at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. Other flights, including services from Kochi, were also affected as a result of the shutdown.
This disruption comes amid a broader pattern of drone and related incidents in the UAE’s airspace, which have periodically affected airport operations and international travel in the region.
