TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Emirates flights carrying Taiwanese passengers between Dubai and Taipei were diverted and delayed on Monday after an Iranian drone attack.

A fuel storage facility near Dubai International Airport was struck by an Iranian drone early Monday morning, triggering a fire, per NOWnews. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority suspended flights to ensure passenger and staff safety and temporarily stopped airport operations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Emirates flight EK367, which departed Taipei on Sunday evening, was diverted at 4:58 a.m. UAE local time, Monday to Al Maktoum International Airport, about 40 km from Dubai. Meanwhile, Emirates flight EK366, scheduled to depart Dubai for Taipei early Monday with 93 Taiwanese passengers on board, was delayed due to the incident and departed at 2:35 p.m. local time.

It took off at 2:35 p.m. local time and arrived in Taiwan at 2:37 a.m. on Tuesday, Taiwan time. The ministry and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Dubai said they are monitoring the situation and have not received any reports of Taiwanese seeking assistance due to flight diversions or delays. 

As regional tensions remain high, MOFA advised Taiwanese to avoid non-essential travel to or through Dubai. Those who must travel are urged to register with the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ overseas travel registration system and follow safety updates from Taiwan’s overseas missions.

MOFA also urged Taiwanese in the Middle East to seek assistance through emergency numbers at Taiwan’s overseas missions or the ministry’s 24-hour hotline (886-800-085-095).