Flights bound for Dubai and Sharjah are being held, diverted or turned back as Iranian missiles and drone attacks disrupt airspace across the United Arab Emirates, sending fresh shockwaves through global aviation.

Aviation tracker Flightradar24 reported that multiple aircraft en route to the UAE have been delayed or rerouted as the latest escalation between the US and Iran affects flight paths across the region.

Major hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, have placed incoming flights into holding patterns, with several long-haul services diverted to neighbouring countries or forced to return to their origin.

The disruption follows a wave of explosions heard from across the UAE on Monday, as national air defence systems responded to incoming threats. Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported thunderous booms and streaks of light across the sky as interceptions took place mid-air.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four UAVs launched from Iran on May 4, resulting in three moderate injuries. Since the start of what it described as “blatant Iranian attacks”, the ministry said it had intercepted a total of 549 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles and 2,260 UAVs.

The ministry said the attacks have left 227 people injured across multiple nationalities and confirmed three “martyrs”, including one civilian contractor, as well as 10 civilian fatalities. It added that it remained fully prepared to respond to any further threats and would “firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country”.

Despite most threats being neutralised, a drone strike sparked a fire at an oil facility in Fujairah, with civil defence teams deployed to contain a blaze. Authorities briefly issued a shelter-in-place alert before giving the all-clear once the primary waves of attacks subsided.

The fallout has continued to ripple across the region’s transport network, placing significant strain on Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for international travel, which is now managing a growing backlog of delayed aircraft.

Airlines are scrambling to adjust routes in real time, with some flights circling in holding patterns while others divert to alternative airports across the Gulf.

The escalation has also prompted urgent warnings for travellers, with Smarttraveller advising a level four, do not travel risk, reflecting the rapidly deteriorating security environment as tensions continue to rise.