A drone incident struck a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport (DXB) early on March 16, 2026, prompting the temporary suspension of all flights and closure of airspace. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the event, stating, “A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks.” Civil Defence teams are working to control the resulting fire, with no injuries reported.
The attack occurred just after 3 a.m. local time amid escalating tensions in the Iran War, which began on February 28. Reports identify the drone as Iranian, following warnings from Iranian media about targeting UAE ports and infrastructure. Social media videos show a large fire burning near the airfield, despite police efforts to suppress imagery.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority ordered the flight suspension as a precautionary measure for passenger and staff safety. Some flights diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Emirates suspended all operations to and from Dubai, advising passengers not to approach the airport.
This marks the second incident at DXB; an earlier drone strike on Terminal 3 injured four people. Regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirmed GCC unity against Iranian threats. Similar drone interceptions occurred in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, underscoring widening Middle East aviation risks.