A drone attack ignited a fuel tank at Dubai International Airport early Monday, forcing authorities to suspend flights for several hours at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
Officials said the strike triggered a large fire at the airport around 4 a.m. local time before emergency crews brought the blaze under control by sunrise.
The disruption temporarily halted operations at an airport that handled more than 95 million passengers in 2025. Flights were suspended as a precaution before gradually resuming later Monday morning to selected destinations, according to airport authorities.
Authorities said the drone strike hit a fuel tank within the airport complex, setting off a massive fire visible across the surrounding area. Smoke continued to rise above the airport hours after the incident as emergency teams worked to secure the site.
No injuries were reported, according to officials. However, some roads near the airport were closed as police managed traffic and emergency access to the affected area.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said the temporary suspension of flights was implemented to ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff.
“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…”
The attack disrupted operations at Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest global aviation hubs and a key connection point for travel between Europe, Asia and Africa.
The airport handled more than 95 million passengers in 2025, making it one of the world’s largest international travel gateways.
Emirates, the largest airline operating from Dubai, initially advised passengers to stay away from the airport while flights were suspended.
In a later update, the airline said it expected to resume limited operations later in the morning.
“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.”
Emirates said it planned to operate a limited schedule after 10 a.m., though some flights were expected to remain cancelled as airport operations gradually resumed.
The strike comes amid rising regional tensions following military attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28. Iranian drones have targeted infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates in recent weeks, with Monday’s strike described as the largest attack on Dubai airport so far.
Iran has warned that economic infrastructure in the region could be targeted and advised civilians over the weekend to stay away from major ports and financial centers.
Despite the disruption, airport authorities worked to restore operations as quickly as possible. Flights began gradually resuming to selected destinations as safety inspections and operational checks were completed.
Airlines operating from Dubai International Airport continue monitoring the situation as schedules stabilize following the temporary suspension.
