Emirates flight EK407 from Melbourne to Dubai diverted after international airport hit by drone attack

An Emirates flight that departed Australia on Sunday night bound for Dubai had to be diverted after the international airport was hit in a drone attack.

Flight EK407 left Melbourne at 10.52pm local time and was due to land in Dubai at 5.40am on Monday.

However, just before 5.30am (Dubai time), the Government of Dubai Media Office confirmed a fuel tank at the international airport had been attacked by an Iranian drone, causing a huge fire.

The airport was temporarily closed, forcing the Emirates plane into a holding pattern above the UAE’s west coast.

The flight was then diverted to Dubai World Central in Jebel Ali — about an hour’s drive away.

After authorities contained the fire, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced some flights had resumed to selected destinations.

Emirates is operating on a “limited schedule” and has cancelled several flights from Dubai after the attack.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.