Dubai Airport Resumes Some Flights After Drone Incident; Saudi Intercepts Drones in Riyadh Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority announced on March 16, 2026, that flights to and from Dubai International Airport have begun to resume gradually following a temporary suspension caused by a drone-related incident. The authority stated that the resumption is a precautionary measure, with passengers advised to check directly with airlines for flight updates. The incident occurred on Monday, when a drone attack near the airport’s facilities led to a fire at a fuel tank, prompting the suspension of flights. Emergency teams managed to extinguish the fire, and no injuries were reported. The drone incident followed a previous disruption at the airport earlier in the week. Emirates, the largest airline operating from Dubai’s busiest airport, confirmed that flights were suspended during the incident. The airport, a critical hub for global travel, faced further complications as authorities closed nearby tunnels and roads to ensure safety. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones over Riyadh and in the eastern regions on Monday. The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that the country had intercepted over 60 drones since midnight, highlighting ongoing security concerns. The attacks targeted areas including Prince Sultan Airbase, which hosts U.S. military forces, and the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. The Saudi government emphasized its commitment to defending its territory while maintaining regional stability. The UAE also faced heightened tensions as Iran accused the United States of using UAE ports to launch strikes on Kharg Island, a key oil export terminal. Tehran claimed the U.S. had utilized UAE infrastructure for attacks, though no evidence was provided to support the allegations.#emirates_airlines #dubai_airport #saudi_ministry_of_defense #prince_sultan_airbase #anwar_gargash
Explosions were reported in Dubai on Saturday, leading to the temporary suspension of flight operations at the city's airport, one of the world's busiest for international travel. Passengers waiting for departures were directed into train tunnels at the sprawling airfield as authorities activated air defenses. A witness told AFP that an explosion was heard over the airport, followed by a cloud of smoke in the air. Multiple residents also reported explosions across the city. The Dubai government confirmed that no incident occurred at the airport itself, stating that a minor event involving debris from an interception had been contained. No injuries were reported. Emirates Airlines suspended all flights to and from Dubai until further notice, offering rebooking or refund options for travelers booked between February 28 and March 31. Flight tracking data showed delays averaging 60 to 90 minutes, though some operations were later resumed. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict entering its eighth day. Iranian attacks targeted areas in Dubai, including the upscale Palm Jumeirah district and the Burj Al Arab hotel, while drone debris caused a fire at the U.S. consulate. Tehran retaliated by launching missiles at Israel, as the U.S. warned of an impending bombing campaign. The conflict has seen significant casualties, with four airport staff injured and a concourse damaged at Dubai International Airport. Iranian strikes have also disrupted infrastructure in the region, including a reported attack on a U.S. THAAD radar system worth $300 million. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration approved a $151 million arms sale to Israel, signaling a hardline stance against Iran. Iran's U.N. ambassador vowed to take "all necessary measures" to defend the country.#iran #emirates_airlines #burj_al_arab #dubai_airport #palm_jumeirah
Iran and Israel Exchange Strikes Amid Escalating Conflict Explosions rocked Tehran hours after dramatic footage showed flames engulfing Mehrabad International Airport, as Israel launched a “broad-scale wave of strikes” targeting Iranian military infrastructure. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed using over 80 fighter jets in pre-dawn attacks, focusing on sites including a military university, missile storage facilities, and command centers. Iranian state media reported the strikes, with footage showing smoke rising from the airport and explosions in western Tehran. The extent of damage to the airport remains unclear, though Iranian officials claimed it was hit. Iran’s leadership responded with retaliatory strikes, targeting Israeli and Gulf nations. Regional allies such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE reported repelling attacks, while the U.S. military claimed to have struck more than 3,000 Iranian targets since the conflict began. President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Tehran, vowing no negotiations without “unconditional surrender.” Meanwhile, Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, dismissed U.S. demands, stating, “They will take their dreams of our unconditional surrender to the grave.” Pezeshkian’s remarks came amid a power vacuum following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with a three-person council temporarily governing the country. Iranian state media highlighted the damage to Tehran’s sports center, describing debris-filled rooms, a ruined gym, and a destroyed library. The IRIB report also noted a mosque was “completely damaged.” Israeli officials emphasized the strikes targeted military assets, including the Imam Hossein military university, which trains Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers.#iran #israel #mehrabad_international_airport #supreme_leader_ali_khamenei #emirates_airlines
Travel Chaos Worsens as Iran Conflict Shuts Key Mideast Airports Travel disruptions intensified across the Middle East and beyond on Monday as airlines in the Persian Gulf suspended flights due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, leading to significant delays and cancellations at major airports. The crisis sent airline stocks plummeting, reflecting growing concerns over the impact of the escalating tensions on global travel networks. Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, announced it would halt all operations to and from Dubai until 3 p.m. local time on Monday, with warnings of ongoing disruptions through Thursday. Etihad Airways extended its flight cancellations until 2 p.m. on the same day, while Qatar Airways suspended flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. These measures left passengers stranded and caused widespread confusion at some of the busiest airports in the region. The situation unfolded against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, with the conflict in the Middle East disrupting critical transportation hubs. Erbil International Airport in Iraq, for example, saw a plume of smoke rising near its premises on March 1, underscoring the immediate and visible impact of the crisis on infrastructure and operations. The ripple effects of the disruptions extended far beyond the region, affecting international travel routes and prompting airlines to reassess their schedules. With key airports in the Persian Gulf forced to close or limit operations, travelers faced uncertainty as airlines scrambled to manage the fallout. The financial markets also reacted swiftly, with airline stocks dropping sharply as investors anticipated prolonged disruptions and potential losses.#persian_gulf #etihad_airways #emirates_airlines #qatar_airways #erbil_international_airport
