Dubai: A large fire erupted near Dubai International Airport on Monday morning after a drone strike hit a fuel storage tank close to the aviation hub, forcing authorities to halt flight operations temporarily while emergency crews brought the situation under control.
Officials said the incident triggered a swift response from firefighters and rescue teams after flames were spotted rising from the fuel facility located in the airport’s vicinity. The blaze caused concern among airport authorities, prompting immediate safety measures and the suspension of incoming and outgoing flights.
According to the Dubai Media Office, the drone impact damaged one of the fuel tanks near the airport, leading to the fire. Firefighters from Dubai Civil Defence were dispatched to the scene within minutes and worked to contain the flames before they could spread to nearby infrastructure.
Authorities later confirmed that the fire had been successfully brought under control and that no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. Emergency teams continued to monitor the area as a precaution while assessing possible damage.
Airport officials implemented temporary flight suspensions at Dubai International Airport as a safety step while the response operation was underway. Airlines and airport authorities advised passengers not to travel to the airport until normal operations resume.
The development comes amid escalating tensions in the region. Since the beginning of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran has reportedly launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones targeting the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about the security of key infrastructure, including airports and energy facilities.
Airline major Emirates also issued an advisory confirming that flights had been paused temporarily and assured passengers that updates would be shared once operations restart. The airline emphasised that the safety of travellers and crew members remains its top priority.
Authorities have urged residents and travellers to rely on official updates as emergency services complete safety checks and restore normal conditions around the airport area.