Dubai Airport resumes flights after drone fire disrupts operations

Dubai’s main airport resumed operations on Monday after a drone incident caused a fire at a nearby fuel tank and forced authorities to suspend flights for more than seven hours. Emirates restarted a limited flight schedule after 10 a.m. local time as the aviation hub works to maintain operations during the ongoing Iran war.

"Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the gradual resumption of some flights to and from Dubai International Airport to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights," Dubai Media Office said in a post on X.



Authorities halted flights early Monday after the drone triggered a blaze close to the airport. Emergency teams responded and aircraft were asked to circle in the air while the situation was brought under control. Dubai’s media office said the fire was contained and confirmed that no injuries had been reported.

Emirates canceled several flights during the disruption. The suspension marked the longest halt in operations since Dubai reopened air travel through what it calls “safe air corridors” three days after the war began. The airline also advised passengers not to travel to the airport while the suspension was in place.

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Flight tracking data showed several aircraft departing Dubai International Airport later in the day for destinations including Shanghai, Cairo and Hanoi. Some Emirates planes that had earlier been diverted remained at airports across the United Arab Emirates and other countries.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for long-haul travel, has faced repeated disruptions since the war started three weeks ago. According to Dubai’s media office, Monday’s incident is the third attack confirmed near the airport in the past two weeks. Earlier in the conflict, a strike damaged a concourse on the second day of hostilities and injured four people.

Last week, two drones also fell near the airport, causing injuries to four individuals. These incidents, along with missile and drone interceptions across Dubai, have led to delays and longer flight times as aircraft circle the skies before landing.

At the start of the conflict, the airport halted all flights for more than two days after Iran launched retaliatory strikes.

Following Monday’s suspension, some flights were diverted to Dubai World Central, the city’s secondary airport, and to Abu Dhabi’s airport. Several aircraft also returned to their original departure points in the UK, Ireland, Pakistan and India.

Emirates, the largest airline operating from Dubai and the world’s biggest international carrier, has gradually restored services after the initial shutdown at the start of the war. However, the airline continues to operate a reduced schedule as airspace closures limit the number of flights.