Dubai International airport suspends all flights after drone strike

Dubai International Airport has suspended all flight operations after a drone attack sparked a fire near the airport perimeter.

The Dubai airport suspension forced Emirates and IndiGo to immediately ground all Dubai flights.

This means, thousands of passengers worldwide face severe disruption as the US-Israel-Iran war escalates into a new phase of direct strikes on Gulf aviation infrastructure.

A drone-related incident sparked a fire near Dubai International Airport on March 16.

Civil defence teams successfully contained the blaze after a drone struck one of the fuel tanks in the airport’s vicinity.

Read Also: Iran missile strikes shutdown Dubai International Airport

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said:

“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.”

Also some aircraft already airborne and near Dubai were diverted to Dubai World Central, while flights further away were directed to alternate airfields.

Reaction

Emirates said immediately after the Dubai airport suspension:

“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.”

On its part, IndiGo informed passengers that flight operations in Dubai have been further restricted due to the evolving situation.

“Due to the evolving situation in West Asia, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules. Customers travelling to/from Dubai are requested to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.”

Air Canada suspended its Toronto-Dubai route until at least May 1, while Virgin Atlantic deferred Dubai flights until the end of the winter season.

Passengers with upcoming Dubai flights must act immediately following the latest Dubai airport suspension.

IndiGo has extended free cancellation waivers until March 31, 2026, for all travel to and from the Middle East and Istanbul.