Dubai: Operations at the Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday after after a ‘drone-related incident’ struck a fuel tank in the area, prompting a rapid response from emergency teams.
It is not clear whether the tank received a direct hit by an Iranian drone or caught fire after debris from an interception fell on it. No injuries were reported as safety measures were activated across the vicinity.
“A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks,” the Dubai Media Office posted on X.
The office later confirmed that the fire had been contained, stating: “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. No
injuries have been reported.”
“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. Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights. Further updates will be announced through official channels as soon as they become available,” the media office added.
Some flights from the Dubai International Airport were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport.
Officials said that the Dubai police closed the airport road and airport tunnel, following the drone strike, as reported by NDTV.
Iran has fired more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates since the start of the ongoing Middle East conflict, making it the most targeted country, officials said. The barrage has disrupted travel in the Gulf financial hub, although air defence systems have intercepted most of the projectiles.
The UAE’s defence ministry has reported six deaths since the conflict began – four civilians and two military personnel. The soldiers died in a helicopter crash that was linked to a technical issue.