The pilot and co-pilot of a small plane were killed in a crash Thursday, causing delays at Dubai airport, the emirate’s government media office said.

“An accident involving a small plane with four passengers occurred resulting in the death of the pilot and his assistant,” it said in a statement.

The small Diamond Aircraft, owned by US tech giant Honeywell, crashed due to a technical malfunction, it said.

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“All operations at the Dubai airport are running smoothly after a slight delay and diversion of some flights as a precautionary measure to ensure security,” it added.

Dubai’s international airport is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.