DUBAI — An Iranian drone attack ignited a fuel tank at Dubai International Airport early Monday, authorities said, setting off a massive fire and forcing the suspension of flights at what is normally among the busiest hubs in the world.
The airport served more than 95 million passengers in 2025, according to industry statistics. Flights were suspended for several hours Monday morning before “gradually resuming to selected destinations,” the airport said on X.
It has been hit repeatedly by Iranian drones since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. But Monday’s strike was the largest to date and underscored the extent to which Iran continues to attack civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and other nations throughout the Persian Gulf region despite its battered military.
Iran has warned that banks and other businesses in Dubai’s financial district are legitimate targets and told civilians over the weekend to stay away from major ports, which it said could be hit.
The fire at the Dubai airport, which authorities reported around 4 a.m. local time, was under control by sunrise. No injuries were reported, according to authorities.
But smoke was still rising above the airport around 9 a.m., and Dubai’s police reported that some roads in the area were closed.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding…
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Emirates, the leading airline flying from Dubai, initially told customers to stay away from the airport and said all its flights had been suspended. In an update, it said that it expected to “operate a limited schedule” after 10 a.m. but that some flights will be canceled.
“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience,” the airline wrote on X. “The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.”
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