Chinese airlines moved to protect passengers after rising instability in the Middle East disrupted air travel, prompting coordinated policy changes late Feb. 28.
Air China Ltd., China Eastern Airlines Corp and China Southern Airlines Co. said travelers who bought tickets before 8 p.m. on Feb. 28 for flights scheduled between Feb. 28 and March 15 can change or obtain refunds for routes including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, with one free change permitted.
Other carriers including Hainan Airlines Holding Co., Shenzhen Airlines Co. and Sichuan Airlines Group Co. followed with similar measures, extending coverage to Middle East destinations as carriers seek to limit disruptions and financial losses for customers.
Dubai's nightmare scenario unfolded Saturday: Defense systems repelling Iranian missiles and drones over its famous skyscrapers, explosions and plumes of black smoke rising out of the city-state's most celebrated neighborhood.
Local authorities said four people were injured in a fire at Palm Jumeirah, the man-made island that's famous for its luxury hotels, resorts and attractions. A high-end hotel there was hit by parts of a missile that was either intercepted or got knocked off its trajectory.
Dubai's main airport, the world's busiest aviation hub, was partially damaged by a suspected aerial strike on one of its terminal buildings. The airport operator said the hub "sustained minor damage" and it was quickly contained.
On Sunday morning, two people were injured after debris from an intercepted drone fell on the backyard of two homes. Sounds of interceptor blasts shook the city several times in the early hours of the morning and overnight.
Iran launched an unprecedented wave of airstrikes in the region in response to US and Israeli strikes starting Saturday, targeting American bases and fracturing the emirate's long-held image of a haven in a tough neighborhood. Dubai has prided itself on its unshakable security and safety. Many still leave their cars and homes unlocked.
But social media is full of videos of interceptors and objects flying in the sky, an unthinkable scene in the emirate. Restaurants in the Dubai International Financial Center, the Middle East's main financial hub, unexpectedly asked customers to pay and leave so they could close early.
The Islamic world, including the United Arab Emirates, is observing the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown. Many cafes and restaurants usually remain open late into the night and offer late-night dining options and services.
Panic buying in some supermarkets prompted Emirati authorities to issue a statement and reassure residents that there is ample supply of food. Strategic reserves of essential commodities are "robust, comprehensive and diversified," they said, asking people to refrain from stockpiling.
Despite the reassurances, many supermarket shelves were empty of meat, bread and rice. Some people headed to their nearest gas station to pick up some items as delivery drivers were seen hurtling down Dubai's relatively quiet highways.
The UAE announced that school will move to remote-learning for three days starting Monday and urged people via text messages to remain indoors.
Missiles struck a service center at a US base and residential buildings in Bahrain, and a drone hit Kuwait's airport, injuring some staff at a passenger terminal. The American base there was also hit, lightly injuringBloomberg Terminal three members of the Kuwaiti military. Qatar intercepted several waves of airstrikes and suspended flights, as did many others.
The UAE seems to have taken a major hit with authorities saying they intercepted 137 missiles and dealt with 209 drones including 14 that fell and caused material damage on Saturday. Bahrain said it intercepted 45 missiles and 9 drones and Qatar repelled 65 missiles.
The emirates partially closed its airspace and suspended flights in Dubai as it intercepted Iranian rockets. Debris fell in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to the state-run news agency. One person was killed after missiles were intercepted in an Abu Dhabi area, the agency reported.
Management in some Dubai buildings are asking residents to take shelter in basements, and fitness centers have messaged their clients to say they're temporarily closing. Some businesses have already asked workers to remain home while other shops closed their doors for the day.