Published on •Updated
Euronews journalist Lilly Douse was travelling from Dubai International Airport on Saturday morning when the Iranian drone attacked the vicinity of the compound.
Douse had already boarded her flight to Cape Town when, suddenly, all the passengers were rushed to disembark, return to the airport and seek shelter as soon as possible, guided by airport staff.
Douse reported that everyone was being evacuated and told to leave from the gate to seek shelter.
As she filmed the dramatic events, she said that at first people did not really understand exactly where they were taken, what was happening, or the cause of the evacuation.
As Douse was rushing to a safe place, the Iranian drone attacked the vicinity of the Dubai international airport.
Black smoke was seen rising over the airport after a loud boom, according to multiple eyewitness accounts.
“For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended,” The Dubai Media Office said in a statement.
Douse reported that in the initial shock of the incoming attack, the situation felt hectic. Together with other passengers, she had to run through the airport as the airspace was immediately closed for the safety of civilian flights.
People were taken to a small space downstairs, which served as an underground shelter.
“Hopefully this is the safest place to be,” Douse reported as she documented her experience.
She recalled how the Dubai airport staff did their best to keep people protected but also calm everyone down in this highly stressful situation.
“Everyone is trying their best to stay calm. The crew, everyone here in Dubai Airport has been absolutely amazing, just trying to keep everyone calm.”
After about one hour in the shelter, people were allowed to leave and return to their gates.
The airport started resuming operations shortly after the drone attack, as thousands of people are still waiting to travel after days of the Middle East airport being closed since the beginning of the Iran war.
Douse proceeded to board her flight again for the second time on Saturday.
“Fingers crossed, this is going to be the one,” Douse said as she boarded her flight home, which took off safely shortly after.