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Dubai-bound Emirates flight turns back to Kochi amid 'security incident'
16 Mar 2026

An Emirates flight from Kochi, Kerala, to Dubai had to return due to a "security incident" at the destination airport, according to a CIAL spokesman.

Flight EK533 took off from Cochin International Airport (CIAL) at 4:30am with 325 people on board. However, it was diverted back after Dubai International Airport (DXB) was suddenly closed.

The aircraft landed back in Kochi at 8:30am.

Flight diverted due to drone attack near Dubai airport
Security alert

The closure of DXB was necessitated by a new security threat, which involved a drone hitting a fuel tank and igniting a major blaze near the airport.

This incident has led to some flights being diverted to Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport.

Emirates Airlines has also advised passengers against using DXB.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has temporarily suspended all flights at Dubai International Airport.

Tensions between US and Iran
Ongoing conflict

The security situation at DXB has been tense since the US-Iran conflict began last month. Iran has launched around 1,600 drones and 300 missiles since the conflict began.

The UAE has confirmed these attacks, which have targeted parts of the city.

In a recent statement, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of attacking Iranian territories from Ras Al-Khaimah and near Dubai.