Flight operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have begun a phased resumption following a seven-hour shutdown triggered by a security incident early Monday morning. The closure, which impacted one of the world’s most critical aviation hubs, followed a targeted strike that ignited a significant fire near the airfield.
Dubai Airport Drone Strike
In the pre-dawn hours of Monday, a drone successfully targeted a fuel storage tank within the airport’s vicinity, causing a massive blaze that sent thick plumes of smoke over the surrounding areas. Dubai Civil Defence teams were dispatched immediately to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control within hours. The Dubai Media Office subsequently confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the impact. This event marks the third such security breach at DXB since late February, occurring amid a period of heightened regional volatility.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) suspended all arrivals and departures shortly after the strike as a precautionary safety measure. The suspension forced dozens of inbound international flights to divert to Al Maktoum International (DWC) or return to their points of origin. Major carriers, including Emirates and flydubai, initially halted all operations and issued urgent advisories for passengers to stay away from the terminals. On the ground, Dubai Police temporarily closed major arteries, including the Airport Tunnel and portions of Airport Road, to facilitate emergency vehicle access, though most routes have since been reopened.
As of Monday afternoon, the DCAA announced a gradual resumption of flights to selected destinations. Emirates has resumed a limited schedule but warned that many flights remain cancelled for the remainder of the day as the airport clears a significant backlog of stranded passengers. Other international carriers, such as Air India, have suspended their services to the hub until at least Tuesday morning while they continue to assess the safety of the local airspace.
Authorities continue to advise all travelers to check their flight status directly with their airlines and to avoid traveling to the airport without a confirmed departure. Emirates is currently offering flexible rebooking options for those affected, as security analysts monitor the situation for further developments.
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