Dubai – Flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai’s airport, previously one of the world’s busiest, on Monday after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fire nearby, city authorities said.
The Emirati defence ministry later said its air defence systems were intercepting a wave of Iranian drones and missiles, without specifying where in the Gulf nation.
Iran has fired over 1,800 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates, more than any other country targeted by Tehran in the Middle East war, upending travel plans in the financial hub despite its air defence intercepting a vast majority of the projectiles.
The latest incident near Dubai’s airport impacted a fuel tank, the city’s media office said, later adding authorities had contained the blaze that broke out with no injuries reported.
“Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff,” the Gulf financial hub’s media office posted on X.
UPDATE 2:
Emirates expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00hrs Dubai local time today.
Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.
We…
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026
Neighbouring Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry also reported intercepting more than 60 drones since midnight on Monday in the east of the country.
The UAE airline Emirates told passengers in a statement on X not to come to the airport and said it was working with authorities “to assess the situation and support the safe resumption of operations when possible”.
The national carrier said in a later post it expected to operate a “limited schedule” after 10:00 am Dubai time (0600 GMT) and that some flights had been cancelled.
Dubai’s police said the main road to the airport had been temporarily closed to traffic.
Iran has taken aim at US assets but also civilian infrastructure, including landmarks, airports, ports and oil facilities around the Gulf, after US-Israeli attacks decimated its leadership.
On Wednesday, Dubai’s media office said two falling drones wounded four people near the airport.
The Emirati defence ministry has reported six deaths since the war began, including four civilians and two military personnel, who died in a helicopter crash blamed on a technical malfunction.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
