Dubai International Airport's airspace was closed for over an hour due to unauthorised drone activity resulting in a number of delays and flight diversions, said the emirate's airport operator.

The airspace remained closed from 11.36am to 12.45pm (local time) and incoming flights were diverted to the nearby Al Maktoum International, Sharjah and Fujairah airport, said a Dubai Airports spokesperson, confirming the earlier media reports of 69-minute delay due to a trespassing of an unidentified drone.

Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm had reported that flights were delayed at Dubai International Airport and the airspace was reopened at 12.45pm.

Dubai Airports reiterated that safety was its top most priority and cautioned all UAV operators that such activities will be permitted only after they get authorisation from regulatory authorities.

"We are working closely with our stakeholders to restore operations and minimise customer inconvenience," said the Dubai Airports spokesperson.

The airport operator pointed out that drones were strictly prohibited in areas within 5km of all airports and landing area.

In February this year, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), had appealed to the light air sports enthusiasts to practice their hobbies in designated clubs accredited by the authority in order to maintain their security and safety.

The call falls within the framework of the campaign organised by the authority to raise awareness about light air sports.

An Azerbaijan Airlines (Azal) spokesman confirmed the report stating that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft flying from Baku to Dubai, had to make an emergency landing at the Sharjah International Airport.

The plane, which took off from Baku at 9am (local time), was supposed to land at the Dubai International Airport at 11.55, he stated.

According to GCAA authorities, this is the second such incident in 18 months.-TradeArabia News Service