Drone Attack Sparks Blaze, Shuts Down Dubai International Airport
Flights Grounded After Early-Morning Drone Strike
Travellers have been warned to avoid Dubai International Airport after an Iranian drone attack ignited a huge fire at a fuel tank near the world’s second-busiest airport. The blaze erupted just before 5.30am local time, lighting up the night sky with smoke and flames.
The airport swiftly shut down all operations as a safety precaution. Officials confirmed the fire was “under control,” with no injuries reported. Yet, Dubai International remains closed to protect passengers and staff.
Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, issued a blunt warning: “Please do not go to the airport.” By 7.30am, only one flight was spotted in the area—flying from nearby Sharjah International. Major flights, including an Emirates A380 from Tokyo, were forced to reroute to Al Maktoum Airport after circling offshore Oman.
Drone Attack Fuels Gulf Crisis
This attack adds to a relentless wave of strikes on Gulf states since the war broke out on 28 February. The UAE has endured over 2,000 missile and drone attacks targeting military bases, American embassies, oil facilities, ports, hotels, and homes.
Just days before Monday’s blaze, two drones sparked another fire near Dubai International, injuring four people. The violence shows no signs of letting up.
At 8.54am, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed they were actively countering ongoing missile and drone strikes launched from Iran.
UK Issues Travel Warning as Tensions Soar
The UK Foreign Office has urged British nationals to avoid all but essential travel to the UAE amid escalating hostilities. Defence Secretary John Healey revealed over 37,000 Brits have been evacuated from the Middle East so far.
With little sign of peace, former US President Donald Trump weighed in from Air Force One. “Talks with Iran are ongoing but a deal isn’t close. I don’t think they’re ready,” he said, citing the loss of much Iranian leadership as a major stumbling block.
At present, there is no official update on when Dubai International Airport will reopen.
