Dubai airport temporarily suspends flights after drone incident sparks fire near fuel tank

Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended early Monday after a fuel tank in the vicinity caught fire during a drone-related incident, authorities said.

Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension as a precautionary step to ensure passenger and staff safety, according to the Dubai Media Office.

“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 Media Office said in a statement.

“Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights. Further updates will be announced through official channels as soon as they become available,” it added.

The incident reportedly involved a drone in the vicinity of the airport.

“A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks... No injuries have been reported so far,” authorities said.

Dubai Civil Defence teams said the situation was under control and the fire had not spread.

“Dubai Civil Defence teams confirm that the situation remains under control, with no spread of the fire. No injuries reported,” officials said.

Some flights have been diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport.

“Dubai Airports announces the diversion of some flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC),” the statement said.

Dubai-based carrier Emirates also confirmed the disruption, saying all flights to and from the airport had been temporarily suspended.

“All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended. Please do not go to the airport. Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience,” the airline said in a post on X.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised,” it added.

Iran has been attacking commercial ships across the Persian Gulf and targeting Dubai International Airport, escalating pressure in the oil-rich region amid American and Israeli airstrikes inside Iran.

Last week, two Iranian drones struck near Dubai International Airport, the hub of long-haul carrier Emirates and the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic.