File image of Dubai International Airport.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Dubai Media Office said on Monday (March 16, 2026) that authorities were dealing with a fire resulting from a drone attack in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport.
Flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai’s airport, previously one of the world’s busiest, after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fire nearby, city authorities said on Monday (March 16).
The incident impacted a fuel tank, the Gulf financial hub’s media office said, later adding authorities had extinguished the blaze that broke out. The office said no injuries had been 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,” Dubai’s media office posted on X.
Iran has fired over 1,800 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates, more than any other country targeted by Tehran in the conflict, upending travel plans in the financial hub despite its air defence intercepting a vast majority of the projectiles.
On Wednesday (March 11, 2026), the city media office said two falling drones wounded four people near the airport.
Iran has aimed at the U.S. assets but also civilian infrastructure, including landmarks, airports, ports, and oil facilities around the Gulf, after U.S.-Israeli attacks decimated its leadership.
The Emirates’ 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.
Published – March 16, 2026 05:52 am IST
