Dubai Airport Suspends All Flights Due to Drone Incident
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New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) On Monday, Dubai Airport declared a temporary halt to all flights as a vital safety precaution after a drone collided with a fuel tank in the vicinity. "All operations at DXB (Dubai International Airport) have been paused to prioritize the safety of passengers and staff. We urge travelers to get in touch with their airlines for the latest flight status. More information will be provided as it becomes available," announced Dubai Airport via a post on X.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has advised travelers to reach out to their respective airlines for the most current updates regarding their flights.
"Further information will be communicated through official channels as soon as it is available," stated the Dubai Media Office on X.
A fire erupted near Dubai International Airport on Monday after a drone struck a fuel tank, leading to an immediate response from emergency services and the temporary flight suspension. Authorities confirmed that Dubai Civil Defence teams were promptly deployed to manage the fire, and no injuries were reported as safety protocols were activated in the area.
Dubai Civil Defence crews acted swiftly to control the fire, with no reported injuries as safety measures were effectively implemented throughout the vicinity.
Additionally, an Emirates flight from Kochi to Dubai was forced to return to the airport after a security issue was reported at its destination. “Flight EK533 departed Cochin International Airport (CIAL) at 04:30 am with 325 passengers on board. The aircraft was instructed to return due to the abrupt closure of Dubai International Airport,” remarked a spokesperson from CIAL.
In a related note, the UAE's defense ministry has reported six fatalities since the onset of the conflict—four civilians and two military personnel, the latter dying in a helicopter crash attributed to technical difficulties.