Dubai announces temporary suspension of flights

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has announced early on Monday that all flights at Dubai International Airport will be temporarily suspended.

In a post shared on X by Dubai Media Office, the authority noted that the suspension was decided as  "a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff".

Travellers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.

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…

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026

The announcement was made shortly after authorities contained a fire near Dubai Airport that had broken out following a drone incident that impacted one of the fuel tanks. 

Some flights have also been diverted from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), according to Dubai Airports.

Dubai Airports announces the diversion of some flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026

In an announcement on their official website, Emirates and flydubai urged passengers not to go to the airport, adding that they will keep the public updated. 

"The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority," said the airlines. 

All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended.

Please do not go to the airport.

Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.

The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority… pic.twitter.com/m5eIloT2wk

— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026