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On March 16, 2026, Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is among the busiest hubs in the world, came to a halt after a drone, which is widely thought to be manufactured by Iran, hit close to a fuel tank, setting it ablaze. The UAE authorities confirmed that the fire broke out in the area of the airport in the early morning, and the teams of civil defense managed to put it under control. No terminal strike was reported, but because of precaution actions, all the operations were suspended.

In videos and footage posted on social media, it can be seen that smoke is rising in clouds over the location, passengers are being evacuated, and even flights have been redirected to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The responsibility of travelers checking with the airlines after updating their information was enhanced by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. It is the third such DXB incident since the conflict escalated at the end of the second month, and there were previous drone falls on March 11 that injured four people.

Its attack is included in the reprisal attacks by Iran on the Gulf countries backing US-Israel activities, which have increased the risk of aviation operations in the region, oil prices, and disruption of travel within the Middle East.