Dubai, the world's 2nd-largest gold exporter, handles ~20% of global gold flows.

This includes gold mined in Africa and refined in the UAE, along with European-to-Asian shipments that pass through the emirate.

Meanwhile, the majority of commercial flights from the Gulf have been grounded.

Gold is usually transported on passenger planes as cargo, in volumes of up to 5 tonnes.

Prolonged disruptions could fuel a spike in gold and silver prices.