Dubai Airport Suspends Flights After Drone Incident

Dubai Airport has temporarily suspended all flights following a drone collision with a fuel tank, raising safety concerns. Emergency services responded swiftly to a fire that broke out due to the incident, with no injuries reported. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates. Additionally, an Emirates flight returning from Kochi was redirected due to the airport's closure. The UAE's defense ministry has also reported casualties linked to ongoing conflicts. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 12:26 IST

Flight Operations Halted at Dubai Airport

On March 16, New Delhi: Dubai Airport announced a temporary halt to all flights following a drone collision with a fuel tank in the vicinity. This precautionary measure aims to safeguard the well-being of passengers and airport personnel.

In a statement shared on X, Dubai Airport confirmed, "Flights at DXB (Dubai International Airport) are temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Please contact your airlines for the latest flight updates. Further updates will be shared as they become available."

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has urged travelers to reach out to their airlines for the most current information regarding their flights.

The Dubai Media Office also mentioned on X, "Further updates will be announced through official channels as soon as they become available." A fire erupted near Dubai International Airport after the drone incident, prompting a swift response from emergency services and the suspension of flights. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as safety protocols were enacted in the area.

Emergency teams from Dubai Civil Defence were promptly dispatched to manage the fire, ensuring that safety measures were effectively implemented.

In a related incident, an Emirates flight from Kochi was forced to return to the airport after a security alert was issued concerning Dubai Airport.

According to a spokesperson from Cochin International Airport (CIAL), "Flight EK533 took off at 04:30 am with 325 passengers on board. The aircraft was instructed to return due to the unexpected closure of Dubai International Airport."

Additionally, the UAE's defense ministry has reported six fatalities since the onset of the conflict, including four civilians and two military personnel, with the latter casualties resulting from a helicopter crash attributed to a technical malfunction.