Dubai Airports update 16 March: DXB temporarily suspends flight operations after fire incident, Emirates halts services

Dubai International Airport has temporarily suspended flight operations after a fire broke out close to the airport following a drone-related incident amid rising tensions in Middle Asia. The current disruption has triggered major travel alerts across the region.


Dubai Media Office took to X and wrote,

“Dubai Airports announces the diversion of some flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).”

Later the office reported,



“Dubai Civil Defence teams have successfully contained the fire resulting from impact to one of the fuel tanks in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport. No injuries have been reported.”







The fire incident

The airport authorities have confirmed that a drone struck a fuel tank close to the airport early on 16 March 2026. The incident caused a huge fire and as a precaution, flight operations at the airport were temporarily suspended for the safety of passengers and staff. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has also announced that flights were halted while civil defence teams worked to contain the fire. Officials mentioned that its a precautionary move was purely precautionary.



As per current update, fire is under control and authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of injuries or casualties.

Impact on flights

The temporary shutdown of Dubai International Airport had an immediate effect on international air travel. A number of flights headed to Dubai were diverted to nearby airports. Some flights were delayed or cancelled amid the fire incident.

Emirates suspends Dubai flights

Meanwhile Emirates has temporarily suspended flights to and from Dubai, asking passengers not to travel to the airport until further notice. The airline said that the safety of passengers and crew is their top priority.

Etihad Airways running limited flights

Etihad Airways has issued a list of limited flight schedules, operating to prime destinations from Abu Dhabi. The airline has listed flights for March 16.

What travellers should do now

Do not travel to the airport without a confirmed ticket

Check airline updates closely

Flight schedules may change depending on the continuously changing situation in the Gulf

Dubai airport serves as a prime international transit hub connecting Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. The airport handles millions of passengers both national and international annually, and that’s why even the smallest disruption ends up affecting thousands of travellers across the globe.