Drone Incident near Dubai International Airport Triggers Fire, Flights Suspended

A drone incident near Dubai International Airport early Monday triggered a large fire and led authorities to temporarily suspend flight operations as Iran continued missile and drone attacks across Gulf states during the ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel.

According to the Dubai Media Office, a “drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks,” causing a blaze near the airport complex. “Dubai Civil Defence teams are currently working to bring the fire under control. No injuries have been reported so far.”

Videos circulating on social media showed large flames and thick smoke rising from parts of the airport area following the incident. Residents in several parts of Dubai reported hearing loud explosions and seeing smoke near the airport in the early hours of Monday.

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary suspension of flights at the airport as a precautionary 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. Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights,” the Dubai Media Office said in another post.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that several incoming flights were being held off from landing. At least five flights bound for Dubai from Karachi, Kathmandu, Hanoi, Asmara and Amman were delayed amid the disruption.

Emirates also announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from Dubai, advising passengers not to travel to the airport until further notice. The airline said updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

The incident occurred amid rising regional tensions. Iran had earlier warned civilians in parts of Dubai and Doha to evacuate certain areas and also issued evacuation alerts for three major ports in the U.A.E., claiming the U.S. used locations in the country to launch strikes on Iran’s “crown jewel”, the Kharg Island. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MS NOW that the U.S. attacked Kharg Island and Abu Musa Island using low-range artillery from sites in Ras Al-Khaimah and an area near Dubai.

Background

Iran has been carrying out missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East since the conflict with the U.S. and Israel began on February 28 following strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and damaged government and military infrastructure.

Since the start of the conflict, Gulf countries have reported more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks targeting oil facilities, ports, airports, hotels and residential and commercial buildings across the region.