Dubai Drone Incident: A massive fire broke out near Dubai International Airport after a drone struck a fuel tank in the area, prompting road closures and the temporary suspension of flights.
In videos widely
circulated on social media platforms, a massive fire followed by thick plumes of smoke can be seen billowing after an aerial object, reportedly a drone, struck a fuel tank in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Earlier, residents across parts of Dubai reported hearing loud explosions, with some saying smoke and flames could be seen rising near the airport.
WATCH: Large fire near Dubai International Airport after Iranian drone strike pic.twitter.com/FDNa04tHqF
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) March 16, 2026
Authorities said Dubai Civil Defence crews were immediately deployed to tackle the blaze and that no injuries were reported as safety measures were activated across the vicinity.
Fire Under Control
Fortunately, the response teams worked swiftly and brought the ablaze under control. Dubai Civil Defence teams reaffirmed the public that the situation near the airport remains under control, with no spread of the fire.
The authorities also added that no injuries have been reported at the site.
“Dubai Civil Defence teams confirm that the situation remains under control, with no spread of the fire. No injuries reported,” the Media said on X.
Flight Operations Suspended
According to Dubai Media Office, Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended flight operations as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. The International Airport also announced to divert some flights to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
“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 their flights. Further updates will be announced through official channels as soon as they become available,” the Media Office said in a post on 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. Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding…
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
As a result of the incident, Emirates announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Dubai, while urging travellers not to go to the airport, saying that updates will be shared when available.
“All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended. Please do not go to the airport. Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised,” it said in a post on X.
All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended.
Please do not go to the airport.
Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.
The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority… pic.twitter.com/m5eIloT2wk
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026
Roads Leading To Airport Shut
Additionally, Dubai Police announced that routes on the airport road and tunnel have been temporarily closed, with motorists advised to use alternative roads.
The authority also added that the Al Garhoud Bridge leading to Casablanca Street will be shut temporarily, alongside Cargo Village and Marrakech Street intersections heading towards the airport.
“Traffic has been temporarily closed on Airport Road and the Airport Tunnel.Al Garhoud Bridge leading to Casablanca Street is temporarily closed. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and follow traffic instructions,” Dubai Police said in a series of posts on X.
#TrafficUpdate | Traffic closures at Cargo Village and Marrakech St. intersections toward the airport. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes.
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 16, 2026
Iran-Israel-US War
The incident occurred as the US-Israel-Iran entered Day 17, with no breakthrough yet in the conflict that erupted on February 28.
On March 11, two drones fell near Dubai International Airport (DXB), but they did not affect air traffic at the international hub. However, three people, two Gahanian nationals and a Bangladeshi sustained minor injuries due to the falling of the drones. One Indian national was moderately wounded as well.
Iran has been carrying out attacks on US bases and interests across the Middle East since the conflict with the United States and Israel began on February 28. The war started after US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and caused major damage to key government and military infrastructure.
Since then, Iran has launched repeated retaliatory strikes across the region. These attacks have mainly targeted US diplomatic missions, military bases and other locations linked to American interests.
Gulf countries have reported more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks during the conflict. The strikes have hit a wide range of sites, including oil facilities, ports, airports, hotels, and residential and commercial buildings, raising concerns about security and stability across the region.
