The aviation authority of the United Arab Emirates took the step of temporarily shutting down the country’s airspace as a precautionary measure in response to the heightened risk of missile and drone attacks from Iran, announced the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Following the temporary closure, the airspace has now been reopened, as reported by Gulf News, citing the GCAA.
Before the reopening, a GCAA spokesperson explained that the airspace closure was implemented to ensure the safety of flights, air crews, and the protection of the UAE’s territory amidst rapidly evolving security situations in the region.
The decision to close the airspace was made after a thorough evaluation of security and operational risks, carried out in close coordination with relevant national and international agencies, according to reports.
Emphasizing that airspace safety and the defense of the UAE’s sovereignty are paramount, the air authority reaffirmed its commitment to these priorities.
Confirming the threats, the government of the Gulf nation acknowledged that its air defenses are actively responding to missile and drone threats originating from Iran.
In a related incident, Flight Radar confirmed that Dubai International Airport is currently not accepting any air traffic after a recent drone attack targeted a fuel tank near the airport. Flights are either holding or diverting to alternate airports.
Reports indicate that air traffic operations have returned to normal in the UAE’s airspace following the recent disruptions.
