Drone strike forces temporary closure of Dubai International Airport

A pre-dawn drone strike on 16 March 2026 ignited a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, forcing authorities to suspend all flights for several hours. Hundreds of services were cancelled or diverted, disrupting global passenger and cargo flows and highlighting DXB’s strategic vulnerability. Although flights have gradually resumed, mobility professionals should expect rolling schedule changes, advise staff to monitor airline alerts, and review emergency protocols for UAE assignments.