Travellers are being told to steer clear of Dubai International Airport following a shocking early-morning Iranian drone attack that sparked a massive fire at a fuel tank near the world’s second-busiest airport. All flights were suspended just before 5.30am local time as flames and smoke lit up the night sky.
Emergency Shutdown as Fire Erupts
Dubai authorities shut down the airport as a safety precaution. Officials confirmed the blaze was “under control” with no injuries reported, but the airport remained closed to protect passengers and staff. Emirates, the UAE’s flagship airline, slammed out a blunt warning: “Please do not go to the airport.”
By 7.30am, flight tracking data showed only one plane flying near Dubai—and that was from the smaller Sharjah International Airport, not Dubai International (DXB). Several international flights, including an Emirates A380 from Tokyo, were forced to reroute to Al Maktoum Airport after holding patterns off Oman.
Drone Strike Adds to Growing Gulf Turmoil
The attack is the latest in a relentless string of strikes targeting Gulf states since war broke out on 28 February. The UAE has been hit by over 2,000 missile and drone attacks, targeting everything from military bases and American embassies to oil facilities, ports, hotels, and residential zones. Just days before Monday’s strike, two drones forced another blaze near Dubai International, injuring at least four.
More trouble followed swiftly. At 8.54am, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that they were actively countering further missile and drone attacks originating from Iran.
British Nationals Warned Amid Rising Tensions
The UK Foreign Office has urged Brits to avoid all but essential travel to the UAE since hostilities escalated. Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that more than 37,000 British nationals have been evacuated from the Middle East so far.
The outlook for peace remains bleak. Speaking on Air Force One Sunday night, former US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran are ongoing but cautioned a deal isn’t close. “I don’t think they’re ready,” he said. “Most of their leadership has been killed,” complicating negotiations.
At the time of reporting, no official word on when Dubai International Airport will reopen.
