UAE airspace returns to normal after temporary precautionary closure

ABU DHABI: The UAE has reopened its airspace after being closed for about an hour following missile attacks from Iran. The decision was taken after a thorough assessment of the security situation and in coordination with relevant authorities, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said. The GCAA also thanked passengers and airlines for their cooperation during the temporary closure.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said it was resisting a new series of missile and drone attacks from Iran. The Defence Ministry said its air defence systems were actively responding.

Meantime, operations at the Shah oilfield in Abu Dhabi were suspended after a fire broke out in a drone attack. Shah, located about 180 kilometers (112 miles) southwest of Abu Dhabi city, is one of the world's largest oilfields. It produces 1.28 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day. Authorities said the fire was under control. No one was reported injured. The UAE has accused Iran of repeatedly targeting its energy and transportation infrastructure throughout the war. A drone attack on the UAE's Fujairah petroleum industrial zone on Tuesday caused a large fire.