New Delhi, March 16: Operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday after a drone struck a fuel tank near the airport, triggering a fire and prompting authorities to take precautionary safety measures.
In a post on X, airport authorities confirmed that all flights at the busy aviation hub were halted to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
“Flights at DXB 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 airport said in the statement.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority also advised travellers to stay in contact with their respective airlines for real-time information about flight schedules and possible delays.
The Dubai Media Office said in a separate post that further updates regarding the situation would be communicated through official channels once more information becomes available.
Authorities said the incident occurred when a drone struck a fuel tank in the vicinity of the airport, leading to a fire near the facility. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site to contain the blaze and secure the area.
According to officials, crews from the Dubai Civil Defence responded swiftly and managed to control the fire. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, and precautionary safety measures were activated across the surrounding area to prevent further risk.
The temporary suspension of operations at one of the world’s busiest international airports caused disruption to several flights.
Meanwhile, an aircraft operated by Emirates that had departed from Cochin International Airport in Kochi was forced to return shortly after take-off due to the sudden closure of Dubai airport.
According to a spokesperson for Cochin International Airport Limited, Flight EK533 had departed at around 4:30 am carrying 325 passengers and crew members. However, while en route, the aircraft was instructed to turn back after authorities suspended operations at Dubai International Airport.
The aircraft safely returned to Kochi, and passengers were later provided with further travel arrangements.
Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Defence reported that six people have died since the conflict began in the region, including four civilians and two military personnel. The soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash that authorities said was linked to a technical malfunction.
Officials said investigations into the drone strike and related security concerns are ongoing.
