Dubai: Dubai International Airport was closed for 69 minutes around noon on Saturday due to an unauthorised drone activity near its airspace, Gulf News can confirm.

All flights between 11.36am and 12.45 pm were disrupted due to a trespassing of an unidentified drone. Flights scheduled to arrive at Dubai International were diverted to neighbouring airports like Al Maktoum International, Sharjah airport and Fujairah airport.

Dozens of flights scheduled to depart around the time of disruption were also delayed.

A Dubai Airport statement confirmed that airspace around Dubai International was closed for 69 minutes (1136-1245 local).

“Dubai Airports is working closely with its stakeholders to restore operations and minimise customer inconvenience. Safety is our top priority and Dubai Airports reminds all UAV operators that any and all activities are not permitted unless authorised by Regulatory authorities and are strictly prohibited in restricted areas including within 5 kilometers of any airport or landing area," the Dubai Airport said in a statement.

