Drone Hits Fuel Tank Near Dubai International Airport, Flights Temporarily Suspended

Flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB) were temporarily suspended early Monday March 16,2026, after a drone struck a fuel tank near the airport, triggering a fire that authorities quickly contained.

Officials said emergency teams responded rapidly and brought the blaze under control, with no injuries reported.

The suspension of flight operations was implemented as a precaution to ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff.

According to the Dubai Media Office, the incident occurred in the vicinity of the airport and affected one of the fuel storage tanks.

Emirates Suspends Flights and Issues Advisory

Following the incident, Emirates airline announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Dubai and advised travelers not to go to the airport until further notice.

In a statement shared by Emirates Support, the airline said:

“All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended. Please do not go to the airport.”

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The airline added:

“The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.”

Passengers were advised to contact their airlines or check official channels for the latest updates regarding flight schedules.

Flights Diverted as Airport Operations Halt

Authorities confirmed that the suspension was a precautionary safety measure while emergency teams handled the incident.

Some incoming flights were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport as operations at Dubai’s main airport were halted.

Dubai Civil Defence teams managed to prevent the fire from spreading further, ensuring the situation remained under control.

Incident Linked to Rising Regional Tensions

The drone strike occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

While some reports and social media posts have suggested possible Iranian involvement, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack as investigations continue.

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The incident marks another disruption to regional aviation, with airspace closures and security threats affecting travel routes across the Gulf in recent weeks.

Authorities Urge Travelers to Await Updates

Dubai authorities and airlines have urged travelers to stay updated through official announcements as airport operations remain temporarily suspended.

Travelers were advised to avoid the airport and monitor airline communications for further information regarding flight resumption.

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Exterior of the Dubai International Airport after two drones came down in the vicinity of the airport
PHOTO/Reuters