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Dubai Airport Halts All Flights After Drone Strikes Fuel Tank, Sparks Fire

Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended all flights as a safety precaution after a drone struck a fuel tank, causing a fire. Emergency crews responded rapidly and contained the blaze, with no injuries reported. The incident forced an inbound Emirates flight from Kochi to turn back mid-air. Authorities are advising passengers to contact their airlines for the latest flight updates.

Key Points: Dubai Airport Flights Suspended After Drone Hits Fuel Tank

  • Drone strike hits fuel tank
  • Precautionary flight suspension
  • Fire quickly contained
  • No injuries reported
  • Emirates flight from Kochi forced to return
2 min read

Dubai Airport temporarily suspends all flights after drone hits fuel tank

Dubai International Airport suspends all flights after a drone strike causes a fire. No injuries reported. Passengers advised to contact airlines for updates.

"Flights at DXB are temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. - Dubai Airport"

New Delhi, March 16

Dubai Airport on Monday announced to temporarily suspend all flights as a precautionary safety measure, after a drone struck a fuel tank in the area.

"Flights at DXB (Dubai International Airport) are temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Please contact your airlines for the latest flight updates. Further updates will be shared as they become available," Dubai Airport said in a post on X.

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said 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 Dubai Media Office wrote on X.

A fire broke out near Dubai International Airport on Monday after a drone struck a fuel tank, prompting a rapid response from emergency teams and the temporary suspension of flights. Authorities said Dubai Civil Defence crews were immediately deployed to tackle the blaze and that no injuries were reported as safety measures were activated across the vicinity.

Dubai Civil Defence crews were immediately deployed to tackle the blaze and that no injuries were reported as safety measures were activated across the vicinity.

Meanwhile, an Emirates flight bound for Dubai from Kochi returned to the airport here on Monday following a security incident reported from the destination airport.

"Flight EK533 departed Cochin International Airport (CIAL) at 04.30 am with 325 people on board. En route, the aircraft was directed to turn back due to the sudden closure of Dubai International Airport," a CIAL spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The Kochi flight had to turn back mid-air! Can't imagine the stress for those 325 passengers. Good on the authorities for taking immediate precaution, but drone regulations need to be stricter globally. This affects so many Indians traveling for work in the Gulf.
A
Aman W
No injuries reported is the biggest relief. Safety first always. But the economic ripple effect will be huge - cargo, tourism, business travel. Dubai is a major hub for us. Hope flights resume smoothly soon.
S
Sarah B
While the precautionary suspension is understandable, the communication seems a bit chaotic. The article mentions multiple sources (Airport, Media Office, Aviation Authority) giving similar updates. A single, unified channel would reduce passenger anxiety. Respectfully, coordination can be improved.
V
Vikram M
Hits a fuel tank and causes a fire... that could have been a major disaster. Thank God for the quick response teams. This is a wake-up call for Indian airports too. We need to be extra vigilant, especially with the wedding season and increased drone use for photography.
K
Kriti O
My heart goes out to all the stranded passengers, especially the elderly and those with kids. Airports should have proper protocols to assist them with food and accommodation during such unexpected halts. Hope airlines are providing support.

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