Flight operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have been temporarily suspended after a drone strike triggered a fire near a fuel storage tank close to the airport on March 16, 2026. Authorities halted arrivals and departures as emergency services responded to the incident and worked to secure the area.
Officials in Dubai say firefighters are currently battling the blaze and are working to prevent it from spreading to nearby infrastructure. The fire broke out after a drone struck a fuel tank in the vicinity of the airport, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Dubai authorities confirmed that the fire is located near the airport complex and emergency teams from Dubai Civil Defence are actively responding.
Airport operations temporarily halted
As a precautionary measure, authorities have suspended flight operations at Dubai International Airport while the situation is being assessed.
Several incoming flights are being diverted to nearby airports, including Al Maktoum International Airport, while other flights are delayed until further notice. Passengers have been advised to check with airlines for the latest travel updates.
Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world, serving millions of passengers each year and acting as a major transit gateway between Europe, Asia and Africa.
The temporary suspension is expected to affect a number of international and regional flights while emergency crews manage the situation.
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Airlines issue travel advisory
Airlines have begun issuing advisories to passengers as the situation unfolds.
Dubai-based carrier Emirates has asked passengers to stay updated through official airline communication channels and avoid travelling to the airport until further updates are issued.
In a message to travelers, the airline said: “All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended. Please do not go to the airport.”
Airlines are expected to update schedules and reroute flights depending on how quickly the situation at the airport is resolved.
Fire triggered by drone impact
Authorities say the blaze started after a drone hit a fuel tank located near airport facilities.
The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where several countries in the Gulf region have faced drone and missile threats linked to the broader regional conflict.
Security officials are currently investigating the source of the drone and assessing the extent of the damage caused by the strike.
Dubai authorities say safety remains the top priority and emergency teams are focused on containing the fire and securing the airport area.
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Authorities continue monitoring the situation
Officials say the fire is still being handled by emergency crews and further updates will be provided once the situation is fully under control.
Passengers and airlines have been advised to monitor official announcements from Dubai airport authorities and airline operators for the latest developments.
The incident is expected to cause temporary disruption to global travel routes, given Dubai’s role as a key international aviation hub. Investigations into the drone attack are ongoing.
