ALBAWABA- A suspected drone strike ignited a fire near a fuel storage area at Dubai International Airport early Monday, forcing the temporary suspension of all flight operations at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
Authorities and civil defense officials said emergency crews quickly brought the blaze under control after flames were seen rising near airport infrastructure. No casualties were immediately reported, but passengers were evacuated and flights were halted.
The disruption comes amid a widening wave of drone and missile attacks across the Gulf following the escalation of hostilities between the United States and Iran after a US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran began in late February 2026.
Since then, Iran has launched hundreds of drones and missiles in retaliation, targeting sites in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring states hosting US assets or supporting the operation. Earlier strikes near the Dubai airport earlier this month injured four people but did not force a shutdown.
Footage shows a fire burning near Dubai International Airport after a drone ignited a fuel tank, according to authorities in the UAE.
— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) March 16, 2026
Flights have been suspended. Civil defence crews say the blaze is under control. pic.twitter.com/G8q4ECnjB3
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said its air defences intercepted and destroyed 62 drones during one recent sustained operation, with an additional 14 drones shot down over Riyadh and the Eastern Province on Sunday night as regional forces responded to continuing aerial barrages.
Tehran has denied responsibility for attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries, insisting its strikes target only US-linked military facilities. Iranian officials say the campaign is intended to deter further escalation while expressing regret to neighbouring states if attacks occur from their territory.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged several major oil-importing countries to join what he called a “Hormuz Coalition” aimed at escorting commercial shipping and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The waterway carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies, and disruptions could significantly impact the world economy.
