Abu Dhabi airport issues advisory after drone interception kills one Asian national, injures seven

At least one person of Asian nationality was killed and seven others injured after authorities intercepted a drone targeting Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, causing shrapnel to fall near the airport, officials said on Sunday (local time). The airport confirmed the incident in a post on X, stating that emergency services were responding, though details remained limited.

“The competent authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport, where the interception operation led to the fall of shrapnels, resulting in one death of an Asian national and 7 injuries,” the airport wrote on X.



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The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed.

Minutes later, the airport urged residents and social media users to rely only on verified information. “It urges the public to refrain from circulating rumors and false information and to obtain information solely from official sources, confirming that updates will be published immediately upon receipt,” the airport added.


In a notice posted on its website, the airport also advised passengers to check with airlines before traveling due to airspace restrictions.

“Saturday, 28th Feb: Due to the temporary closure of UAE airspace, passengers scheduled to travel today should check directly with their airline before heading to the airport.”

“The safety of our passengers remains our highest priority. We are working closely with airlines and relevant authorities to manage the situation and minimise disruption where possible. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available,’ it further reads.

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Zayed International Airport is home to Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, and serves as a major transit hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The incident comes amid a wider escalation in the region. Dubai International Airport was also affected by Iranian retaliatory strikes, according to the Dubai Media Office. Authorities said four people were injured after parts of the airport sustained “minor damage,” though operations continued after the situation was brought under control.


Other airports across the Middle East were reportedly targeted as well. In Bahrain, the Bahrain Ministry of Interior said a drone had targeted the country’s international airport.

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"Targeting of Bahrain International Airport with a drone, resulting in material damage without loss of life, at a time when the relevant authorities are initiating procedures to secure the site," the Ministry of Interior posted on X.

Updates on the Iran war against US-Israeli forces

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli missile strikes, describing the operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, as the start of a regime-change campaign against Iran. Later news outlets, including CNN reported citing Iranian state media, that Khamenei was killed. Trump said on Truth Social that senior Iranian leaders had also been eliminated.

Trump said the goal was to allow Iranians to overthrow their leadership, while Netanyahu said strikes had also hit figures linked to Iran’s nuclear program and would continue. Iranian media, cited by The Guardian, reported at least 201 deaths and hundreds injured. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US bases, Israeli targets, and sites in Gulf countries.