Airlines advised passengers not to travel to the airport while the situation is assessed
DUBAI: Flights to and from Dubai International Airport were suspended on Monday after a drone incident triggered a fire in an aviation fuel tank near the airport, authorities said, marking the latest escalation in a wave of aerial attacks targeting critical infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.
The Dubai Media Office said a drone incident in the vicinity of the airport struck one of the facility’s fuel tanks, igniting a blaze that emergency responders were working to contain.
“Dubai Civil Defence teams are currently working to bring the fire under control. No injuries have been reported so far,” the statement said.
Airlines advised passengers not to travel to the airport while the situation is assessed.
Emirates said all flights to and from Dubai had been temporarily suspended and that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised,” the airline said.
Dubai International is the world’s busiest airport for international passengers and one of the most critical transit hubs in global aviation. The airport handled about 87 million passengers last year and connects more than 260 destinations across six continents, serving as a central link between Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Escalating Attacks
Monday’s strike is the third confirmed drone incident near the airport since the regional conflict escalated in late February, according to regional security reports
On March 11, two drones struck near the airport, injuring four people. Earlier on March 1, drones targeted infrastructure in the same corridor, including major data facilities.
Authorities did not immediately identify the origin of Monday’s drone.
Fuel storage facilities at international airports play a crucial role in aviation operations because they supply jet fuel to aircraft departing from the hub.
A fire affecting aviation fuel infrastructure can disrupt airport operations beyond flight delays, potentially grounding aircraft if refuelling systems are compromised.
Dubai’s aviation hub underpins the emirate’s economy, supporting tourism, logistics and global trade. The airport serves as the main base for Emirates airline and is central to Dubai’s position as a gateway linking Europe, Asia and Africa.
Wider Regional Impact
The UAE has faced repeated aerial attacks since late February amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East, including missile and drone strikes targeting military installations and infrastructure across the Gulf.
Hundreds of missiles and drones have been intercepted in recent weeks, though debris and occasional strikes have caused casualties and infrastructure damage.
The attacks have already forced temporary airspace closures, disrupted airline schedules and raised concerns among insurers and aviation operators over the safety of critical transport hubs in the region.
Dubai authorities said emergency services were working to contain the fuel tank fire and that further updates would be issued as the situation develops.
