angel@khaleejtimes.com Filed on September 22, 2019 | Last updated on September 22, 2019 at 09.42 pm

The suspected drone incident caused a brief disruption at DXB from 12:36pm until 12:51pm.

Two inbound Emirates flights that were scheduled to land at Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3 were diverted to nearby airports following reports of drone activity near DXB on Sunday.

Emirates flight EK433 from Brisbane with a stopover in Singapore, and EK511, a direct flight from Delhi, were diverted to Dubai World Central (DWC) and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), respectively, but returned to DXB when the airspace reopened.

The suspected drone incident caused a brief disruption at DXB from 12:36pm until 12:51pm, a DXB spokesperson told Khaleej Times. Only two flights, however, were affected during the 15-minute interruption.

"Safety is our top priority and Dubai Airports is working closely with authorities and service partners to ensure normal operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers," the DXB spokesperson said.

An Emirates spokesperson also confirmed to Khaleej Times that the diverted flights returned to DXB when the airspace reopened. The Dubai-based airline also assisted the affected passengers with alternative rebooking options and hotel accommodation where required.

"Emirates regrets any inconvenience caused but the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised," the spokesperson added.

DXB, the hub for Emirates and flydubai, is the world's busiest airport for international travellers. A total of 41,277,749 air travelers have passed through DXB in the first six months of 2019.

Delays at DXB due to drone activities

>February 15, 2019 - Flights at DXB were temporarily grounded from 10:13am to 10:45am

>June 11, 2016 - A drone forced the closure of DXB for 69 minutes, resulting in a number of flight diversions.

>October 29, 2016 - DXB and SHJ were closed for more than one hour after a drone intruded into airspace

>September 28, 2016 - DXB was closed from 8:08am to 8:35am due to unauthorised drone activity resulting in a number of flight delays.

>January 2015: Recreational drones forced the closure of DXB for 55 minutes after they veered dangerously close to the flight path of commercial airliners.

Know the law

Operating drones without a permit or in a restricted zone can face up to three years in prison or a Dh100,000 fine under the civil aviation law in the UAE.

angel@khaleejtimes.com