Dubai authorities brought under control on Monday a fire caused by a drone attack near the city’s international airport that forced a temporary suspension of flights, though no injuries were reported, they said.
The U.S.-Israel war against Iran has thrown global aviation into turmoil, with flights cancelled, rescheduled and rerouted, as most Middle East airspace stays shut over fears of missile and drone attacks, while the crisis sends fuel prices soaring.
Monday’s incident is the third at the Dubai airport, one of the world’s busiest international travel hubs, since Iran began its attacks on Gulf nations on February 28, with strikes Tehran has said aim at the U.S. presence in the region.
While the United Arab Emirates and Gulf countries, as well as Iraq, Jordan and Turkey, host U.S. military facilities, Iran has used missiles and drones to target civilian facilities such as airports, hotels and ports.
“A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport affected one of the fuel tanks,” the Dubai media office said on X.
Traffic was temporarily halted on road and tunnel links with the airport, police said, while the Emirates airline suspended flights with Dubai.
Some flights were diverted to the Al Maktoum International Airport, the Dubai media office said on X.
Authorities did not say when they expected flights to resume, however.
Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since February 28, with targets including U.S. diplomatic missions and military bases but also key Gulf oil infrastructure as well as homes and offices.
The United Arab Emirates, which normalised relations with Iran’s arch-foe Israel in 2020, has faced the brunt of the attacks. But all Gulf Arab states have been affected, and all have condemned Iran.
On March 11, two drones fell near the Dubai international airport, which suffered damage on the first day of the conflict during an overnight Iranian attack across Gulf states.
Meanwhile, an Emirates flight from Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) to Dubai (DXB) returned midway on Monday, landing safely at 8.40 am after a 4.40 am departure due to the temporary closure of Dubai International Airport.
The flight, carrying 353 passengers and 19 crew, returned following a security incident that prompted a suspension of operations at the destination airport, according to the Thiruvananthapuram airport.
Following the safe landing at TRV, passengers were directed back to the terminal while officials managed the disruption.
The incident is linked to broader air travel suspensions as Qatar Airways has also announced a revised, limited flight schedule from March 18 to 28, due to the continued suspension of operations caused by the closure of Qatari airspace. “These schedules have been enhanced to give more flexibility to passengers wishing to travel,” the Airline said in a post on X.
While focusing on reunification and supporting passengers during this unsettling time, the airline advises that operations will return to normal only after the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms a safe, full reopening.
“We recognise this situation may be unsettling and are working to keep you moving while we prepare for the safe return of our usual operations. Your patience and understanding mean a great deal to us, and we are truly grateful for your continued support at this challenging time,” said the airline.
Passengers can book flights as per the revised schedule on the Qatar Airways website or App, or contact a travel agent. The airline also stated that those who currently hold a confirmed booking on a flight to one of the destinations listed in the new schedule will be contacted with new flight information, asking passengers to ensure that their contact details are updated.
Furthermore, passengers who have prior bookings from March 18-28 are eligible for two complimentary date changes to a new travel date up to April 30 on rebooking with the airline or a refund.
“Flight schedules are subject to change or cancellation due to operational, regulatory, safety, or other circumstances beyond our control,” the airline added as a note.
(With Reuters inputs)
