Travellers were advised to contact their respective airlines for updates regarding their flights, with authorities promising to release further information through official channels as the situation develops.
(Pic: Aljazeera)
Flight operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday after a drone struck a fuel tank near the airport, triggering a fire and prompting emergency safety measures amid rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war. Authorities said the suspension was implemented as a precaution to ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff.
According to officials, the incident occurred when a drone hit a fuel storage tank in the vicinity of the airport, causing a fire. Emergency response teams from Dubai Civil Defence were immediately deployed to contain the blaze.
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Authorities confirmed that the fire was brought under control quickly and that no injuries were reported. Officials added that the incident caused only limited damage.
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In a statement, the Dubai Media Office said authorities were responding to the drone-related fire and taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety.
#WATCH | Dubai authorities brought under control a fire caused by a drone attack near the city’s international airport that forced a temporary suspension of flights, though no injuries were reported, they said: Reuters
(Video Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/tVEDxDqtFN
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2026
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary suspension of all flights at Dubai International Airport while emergency and safety protocols were implemented.
In a post on social media platform X, the Dubai Media Office said the suspension was necessary to safeguard passengers and airport personnel.
Travellers were advised to contact their respective airlines for updates regarding their flights, with authorities promising to release further information through official channels as the situation develops.
Airlines operating at the airport announced disruptions following the suspension of flight operations.
Emirates Airlines stated that all flights to and from Dubai had been temporarily halted and advised passengers not to travel to the airport until further notice. The airline said it would provide updates as more information becomes available. Also, Thiruvananthapuram Airport (TRV) PRO stated that the Emirates Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai flight returned midway following the closure of Dubai International Airport and landed back at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, earlier today.
All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended.
Please do not go to the airport.
Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.
The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority… pic.twitter.com/m5eIloT2wk
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026
Air India also confirmed that its services to and from Dubai had been cancelled for the day due to the airport shutdown. The airline said affected passengers could either rebook their travel for a later date or opt for a full refund without additional charges.
#ImportantUpdate
Dubai Flight Operations SuspendedDubai International Airport has temporarily suspended all flight operations to and from the airport.
As a result, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Dubai have been cancelled for the day.
We are offering all…
— Air India (@airindia) March 16, 2026
Dubai Police also announced traffic restrictions in areas surrounding the airport. Authorities temporarily closed roads at the intersection of Shuhun Village leading to the airport and the Marrakesh Street intersection.
Drivers and commuters were advised to use alternate routes and follow traffic guidance issued by police.
#TrafficUpdate | Traffic closures at Cargo Village and Marrakech St. intersections toward the airport. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes.
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 16, 2026
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