Up until recently, Dubai International Airport (DXB) was the busiest in the world, though that has changed in the past few weeks. With the United States and Israel attacking Iran, and Iran then responding, there has been chaos in the region, with implications that are being felt globally.
As much as Emirates has been trying to basically resume its full schedule in the coming weeks, things aren’t looking so good, as Dubai faced another major setback today.
Dubai Airport fuel tank attacked by drone, causing fire
Early today (Monday, March 16, 2026), Dubai Airport was attacked for the third time in recent weeks. The first attack was on February 28, where a drone directly hit the terminal.
The second attack was on March 7, where we saw a drone just barely miss the terminal and an aircraft.
Now we’ve just seen a third attack, whereby a drone crashed near the airport’s fuel tanks, causing damage. The fire caused by the attack was so bad that it took over 12 hours to extinguish.
As you’d expect, operations at the airport had to be suspended for several hours. It’s hard to know exactly what’s going on and how major the impact on infrastructure was, given that the government very closely controls the narrative around what happens, and it certainly seems like they have the tendency to downplay most things. However, even as operations have resumed, it hasn’t been business as usual.
Dubai bans foreign airlines, Emirates flights add refueling stops
Following today’s attack, there have been a couple of significant developments. First, this evening, the government has reportedly suspended all flights operated by foreign airlines until further notice.
According to reports, the memo that was sent to foreign airlines indicates that in “reference to the prevailing situation within the region and in the interest of the safety of airlines, crew, passengers, employees and the public,” that “landing permission for aircraft operating into DXB/DWC airport(s) in the Emirate of Dubai is suspended until further notice.”
More information about the rationale of suspending foreign airlines but continuing to allow operations by local carriers hasn’t been clarified. So while safety is being mentioned, I imagine there could also be more to this.
It’s also worth pointing out that following the reopening of the airport today, we’ve seen many Emirates flights make stops after departing Dubai, on the way to their destinations. While no official reason has been given, I assume this is related to a limitation on fueling planes due to the airport fuel tank explosion.
It’s anyone’s guess how this all plays out, though these are all horrifying scenes, and I hope this conflict is resolved soon, to minimize casualties and injuries.
I can’t help but think that Gulf carriers won’t be bouncing back from this for a very long time, in terms of a full recovery of sixth freedom traffic that these airlines are known for carrying. Places like Dubai have become what they have because of how well regarded they are for safety, despite the conflicts that sometimes arise in the region. But this is unlike anything the UAE has ever seen.
Bottom line
A fuel tank at Dubai Airport was struck by a drone today, causing a massive explosion, and then a fire that went on for many hours. As you’d expect, airport operations were suspended for several hours.
Beyond that, though, Dubai has now banned foreign airlines, claiming it’s on safety grounds, while local airlines can continue to fly. However, carriers like Emirates are making stops on some flights after departing Dubai, and I’d imagine that’s for refueling.
What do you make of how this situation is playing out at Dubai Airport?