Dubai International Airport (DXB) has begun gradually restoring flight operations after a temporary suspension triggered by a drone-related fire near the airport, adding further disruption to aviation across the Middle East.
A Dubai Airports spokesperson confirmed that some flights to and from DXB are resuming on a limited basis to selected destinations following the precautionary halt. Travellers have been advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest information regarding their flights.
Earlier, Dubai Airports had announced the temporary suspension of operations at DXB as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
According to media reports by The Straits Times and Reuters, the disruption on March 16 followed a fire caused by a drone attack that affected a fuel tank near the airport, though no injuries were reported. The incident forced a temporary halt in flights at one of the world’s busiest international air travel hubs.
Emirates said it expected to partially resume operations from 06.00 GMT, although some services were cancelled. Sister airline flydubai also temporarily halted flights, while several aircraft were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport.
In a separate statement on X, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said some flights had begun operating again to selected destinations as the airport works towards restoring normal activity.
The disruption comes amid wider regional tensions linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has unsettled aviation across the Middle East. Airlines have been cancelling, rerouting or rescheduling flights as large sections of regional airspace remain closed over concerns of missile and drone attacks.
Reuters reported that the March 16 incident marks the third attack affecting Dubai International Airport since Iran began launching strikes across Gulf countries on February 28, which Tehran has said target US military presence in the region.
Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since then, Reuters reported, targeting military facilities as well as civilian infrastructure including airports, hotels and ports.
Earlier in the conflict, two drones were reported to have fallen near Dubai International Airport on March 11, causing damage during an overnight attack across Gulf states.
