Dubai Airport flights resume on limited schedule after drone causes fuel tank fire

Flights have resumed on a limited schedule at Dubai International Airport (DXB) after a fire broke out “resulting from impact to one of the fuel tanks” in what authorities earlier described as “a drone-related incident”.

Elsewhere, one person died after a missile fell on a vehicle in Al Bahyah area of Abu Dhabi, the government media office said.

Authorities also said a fire broke out at Fujairah Oil Industry Zone after it was targeted in a drone attack. No injuries were recorded.

The incidents came after the Ministry of Defence said UAE air defences were "responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran".

No injuries were reported and the the fire at DXB was "successfully contained", Dubai Media Office said. Dubai Police announced the closure of some roads near the airport.

Some flights were diverted from DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport. Others were cancelled. Emirates airline said a limited schedule of flights would resume from 10am on Monday.

The resumption of some flights at DXB was also confirmed by the emirate's media office on X.

"Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the gradual resumption of some flights to and from Dubai International Airport to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure," Dubai's media office stated.

The media office had earlier provided reassurance that the fire was under control. “Dubai Civil Defence teams have successfully contained the fire resulting from impact to one of the fuel tanks in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport,” Dubai Media Office said.

In a post on X shortly after 4am, Dubai Media Office said: “Authorities are currently responding to a fire resulting from a drone-related incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The emirate's media office announced the suspension of flights at 6.30am.

“Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff,” it said on X. “Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.”

The incidents came as Iran continued to carry out strikes on Gulf nations.

Dubai Airport was the target of a strike last week that injured four people. Two Ghanaians and a Bangladeshi suffered minor injuries in the incident, while an Indian was moderately injured.

In Abu Dhabi last week, authorities said that a fire was caused by debris from intercepted missiles at the emirate's old airport.

The UAE has intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones since the US and Israel launched strike against Iran earlier this month.

Last week, the UN Security Council adopted a Bahrain-sponsored resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on the territories of several Gulf states.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, said on Saturday said Iran's attacks on Gulf nations highlighted its “military failure, political isolation and lack of morality”.