Flights from Tashkent to Dubai operated by Uzbekistan Airways and Centrum Air were forced to return to their departure airport after operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended following a drone incident.

Flights HY-333 and C6-351 changed course mid-air and headed back to the Uzbek capital after partial airspace restrictions were introduced in the United Arab Emirates, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The emergency measures were triggered by a fire that broke out at a fuel tank near the airport after it was hit by a drone. The airport’s operator, Dubai Airports, said firefighting crews quickly contained the blaze and no injuries were reported.

However, as a precaution, arrivals and departures at Dubai’s main aviation hub were temporarily halted, with some flights redirected to Al Maktoum International Airport. Police also restricted traffic in nearby districts, closing several key roads and tunnels around the airport.

The disruption comes amid rising regional tensions. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, air defense systems in recent days intercepted dozens of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and drones. Airports across the Emirates are currently operating under limited capacity and heightened security measures.