In a statement posted on social media, Dubai Airports stated that flights at the airport, commonly known by its code DXB, were suspended to ensure the safety of passengers and staff
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority advised travellers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights. Representational Pic/File/AFP
A fire broke out near Dubai International Airport on Monday after a drone crashed into a fuel tank, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend all flights as a precautionary safety measure, IANS reported.
Officials said that the emergency response teams quickly reached the site and worked to contain the blaze. No injuries were reported during the incident.
In a statement posted on social media, Dubai Airports stated that flights at the airport, commonly known by its code DXB, were suspended to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority advised travellers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.
Flights at DXB are temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff.
— DXB (@DXB) March 16, 2026
Please contact your airlines for the latest flight updates.
Further updates will be shared as they become available.
Authorities said further announcements would be made through official channels once normal operations could resume.
Emergency teams contain blaze
According to officials, Dubai Civil Defence crews were immediately deployed to tackle the fire, as per the IANS.
The blaze, which affected a fuel tank near the airport area, was successfully brought under control. Authorities have not yet provided details about the drone’s origin or the extent of the damage.
Emirates flight returns to Kochi
Meanwhile, an Emirates flight travelling from Kochi to Dubai had to return to its departure airport after the sudden suspension of operations, according to the IANS.
Flight EK533, which departed from Cochin International Airport at around 4:30 am, was carrying 325 passengers when it was instructed to turn back following the closure of the Dubai airport.
Air India cancels flights
Following the incident, the Air India and Air India Express cancelled all flights to and from Dubai for the day due to operational constraints, the airline said in a statement.
The airline has offered affected passengers the option to rebook their travel to a future date or cancel their tickets for a full refund at no additional cost.
Meanwhile, Air India Express said its ad-hoc flight operations to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah will continue as scheduled.
The airline added that its teams are working to assist passengers and ensure that stranded travellers are brought home safely at the earliest opportunity.
Incident amid regional tensions
The drone incident comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East following the conflict involving Iran, United States and Israel, which began on February 28.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates said air defence systems have intercepted more than 1,500 drones and missiles since the start of the conflict, making the UAE one of the most targeted countries in the region.
Earlier, debris from an intercepted drone had caused a fire in Fujairah, another emirate of the UAE, though no injuries were reported.
Casualties reported since conflict began
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, six deaths have been reported since the conflict began, including four civilians and two military personnel.
Officials said the two soldiers died in a helicopter crash caused by a technical issue.
(with IANS inputs)
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