Dubai International Airport Halts Operations After Drone Incident

DUBAI, Mar 16: Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended flights early Monday after a drone-related incident struck a fuel tank near the airport and sparked a fire, authorities said.

According to the Dubai Media Office, Civil Defence teams quickly responded and successfully contained the blaze, confirming that the situation was under control and that the fire had not spread. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Some flights from Dubai’s main airport were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

Meanwhile, Dubai Police temporarily closed traffic on Airport Street and the Airport Tunnel, advising motorists to use alternative routes. Authorities also shut down the Al Garhoud Bridge leading to Casablanca Street.

Following the incident, Emirates announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Dubai and urged travellers not to head to the airport until further updates are issued. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for the latest information on their flights.

The incident comes amid escalating regional tensions as the US–Israel–Iran conflict entered its 17th day after erupting on February 28, 2026. Earlier, on March 11, two drones fell near Dubai International Airport without affecting flight operations, though four people — including two Ghanaian nationals, a Bangladeshi, and an Indian — were injured.