A major fire broke out near Dubai International Airport in the early hours of Monday following a drone attack, leading to the suspension of flight operations.
The Dubai Media Office reported that the drone struck a fuel tank near the airport. Civil defense teams were quickly deployed, and the fire was brought under control, with no injuries reported, it said.
“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,” the Media Office stated in a post on X.
In a follow-up post, it confirmed that some flights had been diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Emirates airline also announced a temporary suspension of flights to and from Dubai.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke rising from the area near the airport.
The attack comes amid rising tensions in the region. Iran has been targeting neighboring Gulf countries that host US military bases since the war began on February 28, following joint strikes by US and Israeli forces on Iran. Reports indicate that the UAE, which normalised relations with Israel in 2020, has borne the brunt of these attacks.
On Sunday, Iran accused the UAE of allowing its territory to be used by the US forces to launch an attack on Kharg Island, home to Iran’s major oil export terminals. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi claimed the Kharg and Abu Musa islands were struck using HIMARS rockets launched from locations in the UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah and areas near Dubai.
Tehran vowed retaliation and warned residents to evacuate areas near Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, and the UAE's Fujairah Port.
The UAE has rejected Iran’s accusations, dismissing Tehran’s policy as “confused and lacking wisdom.”