Dubai officials say they are currently responding to a fire in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport. (Screenshot/X@MarioNawfal) A massive fire broke out near Dubai International Airport after a drone hit a fuel tank in the area, prompting emergency crews to respond and authorities to suspend flights.
Authorities said Dubai Civil Defense teams were sent to the scene shortly after the incident and worked to put out the fire.
🚨🇦🇪🇮🇷 BREAKING: A fire was reported at Dubai International Airport after Iranian drones attacked the facility.
This is one of the busiest airports on the planet and receives 90 million passengers a year.pic.twitter.com/IqzmaDT6y0 https://t.co/tX7sGzfL0w
– Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 16, 2026
“A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks,” the Dubai Media Office said in a post on X.
Dubai Civil Defense teams have successfully contained the fire resulting from the impact on one of the fuel depots in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport. No injuries have been reported.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Authorities later said the situation had been brought under control. “Dubai Civil Defense teams have successfully contained the fire resulting from the impact on one of the fuel tanks in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport. No injuries have been reported,” the office said.
Flights were suspended as a precaution.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said flights at the airport were temporarily suspended as a safety measure.
“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. Travelers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on their flights. Further updates will be announced through official channels as soon as they are available,” Dubai Media Office wrote in X.
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. Travelers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on…
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Travelers were advised to contact airlines for updates while authorities monitor the situation. Officials said security measures were activated in the area to protect residents, workers and airport operations.
The incident comes during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
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Officials say Iran has fired more than 1,800 missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates since the conflict began, making the country a major target. Most of the projectiles have been intercepted by air defense systems.
