Dubai flights faced a sudden halt in operations earlier today, March 16, 2026, after a drone strike hit a fuel tank near the facility, sparking a fire and forcing authorities to suspend all flights. Emergency crews quickly contained the blaze, and after a three-hour suspension, limited services resumed mid-morning.
During the disruption, inbound flights were diverted to Al Maktoum International, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, while major carriers including Emirates and flydubai cancelled or rerouted services. Several international flights from Karachi, Kathmandu, Hanoi, Asmara, and Amman were redirected mid-route, leaving passengers stranded or delayed.
Although operations have restarted, travelers are still facing delays and diversions as airlines work through the backlog. Emirates has resumed select services, but rebooking remains challenging due to high demand. Passengers are being advised to check flight status frequently and arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
The incident highlights the ongoing security risks in the Gulf region. Since late February, the UAE has intercepted more than 1,600 drones amid escalating regional tensions, underscoring the vulnerability of aviation hubs like Dubai.
For now, Dubai International is back online, but travelers should brace for continued disruptions over the next 48 hours as airlines stabilize schedules and authorities monitor the security situation