Flights to and from Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended Monday morning after a drone attack ignited a fire at a fuel tank, disrupting operations at one of the world’s busiest air travel hubs.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed the “drone-related incident” impacted a fuel tank near the airport, triggering the precautionary suspension of all flight operations. Civil defense teams contained the blaze, and authorities reported no injuries. Emirates airline announced it expected to operate a limited schedule after 10:00 local time, but warned of cancellations and advised passengers not to proceed to the airport.
The Emirati defense ministry stated its air defense systems were intercepting a wave of Iranian drones and missiles, though it did not specify the location of the interceptions within the United Arab Emirates. This incident follows a pattern of escalating tensions in the region, with Iran having launched over 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE, according to reports.
This is the fourth drone-related incident to affect Dubai International Airport. The airport, which handles over 90 million passengers annually, previously experienced temporary flight disruptions due to similar incidents. The latest attack comes as Iran continues its regional attacks amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Neighboring Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry also reported intercepting more than 60 drones since midnight Monday in the eastern part of the country, indicating a broader pattern of aerial attacks in the Gulf region.
The disruption to flights at Dubai International Airport impacts a critical transit hub for passengers traveling between Australia and Europe, leaving more than 10,000 Australians stranded at the onset of the recent conflict. Emirates has not yet provided details on passenger transfers or recovery plans beyond the limited resumption of flights.
As of Monday afternoon, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority had not announced a timeline for the full resumption of normal flight operations.
