By Achile Danjuma
Emirates Airline has suspended all flights to and from Dubai until further notice, citing safety concerns amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Dubai-based carrier said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, as the regional security situation continues to evolve.
The airline advised travellers not to proceed to the airport while the suspension remains in effect and said further updates would be shared once more information becomes available.
The suspension comes as escalating conflict and missile activity across parts of the Middle East have forced several countries to close or restrict their airspace, causing widespread disruption to regional and international air travel.
Airlines operating in the Gulf region have been adjusting routes and cancelling flights due to safety risks.
Dubai is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, with Emirates operating thousands of flights weekly to destinations across six continents.
The sudden halt in operations has affected passengers travelling through the emirate as well as those transiting to other global destinations.
Passengers with bookings have been advised to monitor official airline updates and contact Emirates for rebooking or refund options.
Authorities and airline officials say flight operations will resume once conditions are deemed safe.
A powerful explosion struck Mehrabad International Airport in the Iranian capital, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and causing alarm across the city.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing several loud blasts in western Tehran early Saturday, with flames and heavy smoke rising from areas around the airport.
Videos circulating on social media showed fires burning on parts of the airport grounds while air-defence systems were reportedly activated across the capital.
The explosions are believed to be linked to a wave of airstrikes targeting sites in Tehran.
Reports said aircraft on the tarmac were seen burning following the blasts, though the full extent of the damage and possible casualties was not immediately clear.
Israeli officials said they had launched broad attacks against what they described as high-priority targets in Tehran.
Iranian media also confirmed that a major explosion had occurred in the western part of the capital as residents described a series of deafening blasts across the city.
Mehrabad Airport, one of Tehran’s busiest aviation hubs and a facility that serves both civilian and military flights, has been targeted in previous incidents during the escalating conflict.