A drone strike occurred near Dubai International Airport (DXB) on March 16, 2026, igniting a fuel tank and causing significant disruptions to airport operations. All Emirates flights to and from the airport were briefly cancelled as a precautionary measure.
The incident unfolded when Emirates flight EK24, which had departed from Edinburgh at 9:30 PM, was forced to divert back to Edinburgh after the drone strike. The flight was scheduled to land in Dubai at 8:50 AM but instead landed back in Edinburgh at 6:48 AM GMT.
Fortunately, Dubai Civil Defence teams responded quickly, containing the blaze and ensuring that no injuries were reported. The swift action of emergency services helped prevent a potentially more severe incident.
In the aftermath of the strike, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced a gradual resumption of some flights after the temporary suspension. By 10 AM, Emirates expected to resume services, with the equivalent time for the expected resumption being 6 AM GMT.
Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights, as the situation remained fluid. Emirates issued an apology for the disruption, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew is their highest priority.
The drone incident is part of a broader context, as Dubai has recently been targeted in drone and missile attacks linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. This escalation raises concerns about the security of air travel in the region.
As the situation develops, further updates are anticipated from both Emirates and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of the incident on future flight schedules.
