Dubai Airport Fire Triggers Flight Chaos: Air India Cancels Services, Emirates Runs Limited Schedule After Drone Incident

Flight operations to and from Dubai International Airport were disrupted on Monday after a drone-related incident triggered a fire near the airport, leading to cancellations and schedule changes by major airlines.

Carriers including Air India, Air India Express, and Emirates cancelled several flights as authorities responded to the emergency near one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

Air India Cancels All Dubai Flights

In an official update shared on social media, Air India confirmed that all flights operated by Air India and Air India Express to and from Dubai for the day have been cancelled due to the disruption.

The airline stated that affected passengers can reschedule their travel without paying additional charges or request a full refund for their tickets.

However, Air India clarified that its ad-hoc flight operations to other UAE destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah, will continue as previously scheduled.

Emirates To Operate Limited Flights

Dubai-based airline Emirates also confirmed disruptions to its operations.

The airline announced that it expects to operate a limited flight schedule after 10:00 AM local Dubai time, while several earlier flights were cancelled due to the emergency situation near the airport.

Emirates added that passengers affected by cancellations will receive direct notifications from the airline, along with information about alternative travel arrangements or rebooking options.

Drone Incident Triggers Fire

The disruption was caused after a drone-related accident struck a fuel tank in the vicinity of the airport, resulting in a fire near Dubai International Airport.

Emergency and firefighting teams were immediately deployed to the location. Authorities later confirmed that the blaze was successfully brought under control and no injuries were reported.

Temporary Halt In Airport Operations

As a precautionary measure, authorities temporarily halted flight operations at Dubai International Airport while emergency teams worked to contain the fire and secure the surrounding area.

During the disruption, several flights were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport, helping ease congestion and maintain limited flight movement in the region.

Authorities also restricted movement around the airport zone, temporarily closing key access routes such as the airport road and tunnel while emergency response operations were underway.

Passengers Advised To Check Flight Status

Passengers travelling to or from Dubai were advised to check directly with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules before heading to the airport.

While operations have gradually stabilised, airlines continue to monitor the situation and adjust schedules to ensure safety and operational continuity.