Dubai International Airport resumes operations following drone incident

Dubai International Airport (DXB) temporarily suspended flight operations on Monday (March 16), following a drone-related incident that caused a fire at one of the airport’s fuel tanks.

 

The Dubai Media Office said the fire had since been contained and no injuries have been reported, adding that operations were halted “as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff". 

 

The incident, which occurred in the early hours, prompted the diversion of inbound flights, affecting numerous Emirates and Flydubai services. Select flights arriving at DXB were diverted to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), while others en route returned to their departure airports.

 

Dubai Airports confirmed a gradual resumption of some flights to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.

 

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In an online statement, Emirates said it has resumed limited operations after 10:00 local time, but confirmed that some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. The airline added that “affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on re-accommodation options".

 

Flydubai has also shared that the carrier is running services at reduced capacity on Monday.  

 

Elsewhere in the UAE, all other airports are operating as normal, with major carriers including Etihad Airways and Air Arabia continuing services to and from the UAE.

 

For more information, visit dubaiairports.ae