Iranian drone hits fuel tank near Dubai airport, flights temporarily suspended after fire breaks out: Here is what we know so far

Dubai airport fuel tank fire
Fire near Dubai airport after drone hit fuel tank (Image via X/Osinttechnical)

A fire broke out near Dubai International Airport on Monday, 16th March, after an Iranian drone hit a fuel tank close to the airport. The situation triggered a quick response from emergency teams, and authorities temporarily suspended flights at the airport as a precaution.

According to reports, Dubai Civil Defence teams were dispatched to the area to deal with the situation. There were no reported casualties, and safety protocols were activated in the area to ensure the safety of the residents, airport employees, and passengers.

The Dubai Media Office confirmed the incident through an X post, stating that “A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks.” Emergency teams quickly began efforts to extinguish the fire.

Authorities say the fire has been contained

Soon after, officials confirmed that the situation had been brought under control. In another update, the Dubai Media Office said, “Dubai Civil Defence teams have successfully contained the fire resulting from an impact to one of the fuel tanks in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport. No injuries have been reported.”

Authorities also said that emergency response teams were deployed right away and that all precautionary steps were taken to protect people in the area and ensure the smooth functioning of airport operations.

Officials noted that incidents involving drones near airports are becoming a growing concern. They urged the public to rely on official updates while response teams continue monitoring the situation.

Flights temporarily suspended

Following the incident, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary suspension of flights at the airport as a safety measure.

In a statement shared on X, 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.”

Airport authorities also said that some flights were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport while the situation was being handled. Meanwhile, Dubai Police closed the airport road and the airport tunnel for security reasons.

Rising tensions in the region

The incident comes at a time when tensions remain high in the Middle East. According to officials, Iran has launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates since the conflict in the region began.

Most of these attacks have been intercepted by air defence systems, but they have still affected travel and daily activities in the Gulf’s major financial hub.

Iran has reportedly targeted both US-related sites and civilian infrastructure such as airports, ports and oil facilities across the region after strikes by the US and Israel on its leadership.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s defence ministry said that six people have died since the conflict started, four civilians and two military personnel. The two soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash that officials said was caused by a technical issue.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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