Drone Strike Near Dubai Airport Fuel Tank Forces Temporary Suspension of Flights

Flight operations at Dubai International Airport—one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs—were temporarily suspended on Monday after a drone struck a fuel tank in the area, causing a fire.

Authorities halted all flights as a precaution to ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff. In an official statement posted on X, Dubai Airports said the temporary suspension was implemented while emergency teams handled the situation and safety assessments were carried out.

Officials from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the Dubai Media Office also urged travelers to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight updates. They added that further announcements would be made through official channels as the situation develops.

Emergency crews from Dubai Civil Defence quickly responded to the incident and managed to contain the fire. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, and safety measures were immediately implemented around the affected area.

The disruption affected several flights, including an Emirates service traveling from Cochin International Airport to Dubai. Flight EK533 had departed Kochi at 4:30 AM local time with 325 passengers and crew but was asked to return mid-flight following the sudden closure of the airport, according to airport officials.

The incident comes at a time of rising tensions in the region. The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence reported that six people have died since the recent escalation—four civilians and two military personnel. Officials said the soldiers died in a helicopter crash caused by a technical malfunction, which was not linked to combat activity.

Passengers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines and monitor official updates as authorities work to assess the situation and gradually resume normal flight operations.