Emirates Grounded, US Says Leave Now: Dubai Feels Full Force of Escalating Iran War
A drone hits near Dubai's US consulate as the Iran war disrupts flights and strands thousands.
The security situation across the Gulf escalated sharply on Tuesday after a drone strike was reported near the US consulate in Dubai, even as Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency claimed that more than 1,000 people have died in Iran following US-Israeli military action. According to Tasnim, the death toll from the strikes has reached 1,045, marking one of the deadliest phases of the widening conflict.
In Dubai, authorities confirmed that a fire near the US consulate was swiftly extinguished with no injuries reported. The Dubai Media Office said emergency teams responded immediately and secured the site. UAE officials issued a high-priority safety advisory urging residents not to approach, touch or photograph debris from air interceptions, warning that remnants could pose safety risks.
The regional escalation follows a series of retaliatory strikes attributed to Iran targeting American diplomatic interests in the Gulf, including reported incidents in Kuwait and Riyadh. The developments have significantly disrupted aviation operations across the United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs.
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Airlines have announced sweeping suspensions. Emirates halted all Dubai operations until 11:59 pm (UAE time) on Tuesday, while Etihad Airways suspended services from Abu Dhabi through March 5. Authorities said limited repatriation flights are operating via emergency air corridors, with approximately 48 flights per hour being managed under special clearance protocols.
The diplomatic fallout has widened, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issuing a “Depart Now” advisory for American citizens in 13 countries, including the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain. UAE authorities said more than 17,000 stranded passengers have been repatriated since March 1, and the government is covering accommodation and subsistence costs for affected travellers.
Beyond aviation, the conflict is beginning to strain global trade routes. Officials reported that over 5,000 export containers — including around 1,000 refrigerated units carrying perishable goods — are stranded at India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port due to shipping disruptions. As tensions remain high and information flows rapidly online, authorities across the region continue to urge residents and travellers to rely on verified official sources for safety updates and operational advisories.
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