Tashkent-Dubai flights diverted after drone attack shuts airport

Flights operated by Uzbekistan Airways and Centrum Air from Tashkent to Dubai were forced to return to their departure airport after Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended operations following a drone attack.

Due to the incident and partial closure of the UAE airspace, flights HY-333 and C6-351 were rerouted back to Uzbekistan’s capital, Caliber.Az reports via Uzbek media.

The emergency restrictions were triggered by a fuel tank fire at Dubai’s aviation hub, caused by the drone strike. According to Dubai Airports, the fire was quickly extinguished by firefighting teams, and no injuries were reported.

For safety reasons, arrivals and departures at the emirate’s main airport have been temporarily halted, with some flights redirected to Al Maktoum Airport. Authorities have also restricted traffic in areas surrounding the airport, closing major roads and tunnels.

The disruptions come amid heightened regional tensions. UAE Defence Ministry data indicates that in recent days the country’s air defence systems intercepted dozens of targets, including ballistic missiles and drones. Emirates airports are currently operating under limited conditions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada