The United Arab Emirates reopened its airspace on Tuesday after a brief shutdown as air defence systems responded to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, amid rapidly escalating regional tensions.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary and full closure of the country’s airspace, calling it an “exceptional precautionary measure” aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews as well as protecting the country’s territory.
According to state news agency, the move came as UAE air defences were actively responding to missile and drone threats launched from Iran.
Authorities in Dubai said that loud sounds heard across parts of the city were the result of successful interceptions by air defence systems.
Authorities in Dubai confirm that the sounds heard in various areas of the city are the result of successful interceptions.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, a drone strike triggered a fire at the Shah gas field, though authorities said that the blaze had been contained and brought under control. Operations at the facility were suspended while damage is being assessed.
The Shah field is one of the world’s largest of its kind and is located 180 km (111.85 miles) southwest of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi authorities and relevant response teams have contained and brought under control a fire that broke out at Shah gas field, caused by a drone attack.
Operations at the facility have been suspended while damage is assessed, and no injuries have been reported.
The public…
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Air Travel Affected
The security developments have also disrupted air travel across the region. Several airlines have been forced to cancel or limit services as tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel with Iran affect major transport hubs in West Asia.
Dubai-based carrier Emirates had earlier begun gradually resuming some flights after a drone-related fire near an airport caused temporary suspensions, but the impact of the new airspace closure on operations remained unclear.
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways said it had been operating a limited schedule prior to the announcement, while Oman Air cancelled flights to several destinations including Dubai, Doha and Bahrain until March 31.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways said flights remain suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, with a limited number of services expected to resume between March 18 and March 28.
Turkey’s national carrier Turkish Airlines also listed multiple cancellations across the Middle East, including routes to the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and Qatar.
Several international airlines, including Air Canada, Delta Air Lines and Wizz Air, have suspended flights to Tel Aviv until later this month.
Fire Incident Near Dubai Airport
A massive fire broke out near Dubai International Airport on Monday 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).
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).
Iran War
The incident occurred as the US-Israel-Iran entered Day 18, with no breakthrough yet in the conflict that erupted on February 28.
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.
