Dubai international airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was closed for more than an hour yesterday after an unidentified drone was spotted near the airport, authorities said.
The airspace was closed for 69 minutes around noon “due to unauthorised drone activity”, Dubai Airport said in a statement.
The closure resulted in numerous flights being diverted to
neighbouring airports in the UAE.
Dozens of flights, which were scheduled to depart around the time of disruption, were also delayed, local media reported.
Authorities were searching for the owner of the small drone, whose identity was not immediately known.
“Dubai Airports reminds all UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operators that any and all activities are not permitted unless authorised by regulatory authorities and are strictly prohibited in restricted areas, including within five kilometres of any airport or landing area,” the company said.
DUBAI
