Dubai airport shuts after drone strike sparks fire
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned Tehran would strongly retaliate if its vital energy infrastructure is attacked.
Flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB) were briefly suspended after a suspected drone strike ignited a large fire near a fuel tank facility, raising alarm across the region as the Iran–Israel–US conflict entered its 17th day on Monday, March 16. The incident added to growing fears that the widening confrontation could further destabilise the Middle East and disrupt global energy and aviation networks.
According to authorities, the blaze broke out near infrastructure connected to airport fuel storage, sending thick smoke and towering flames into the sky. Witnesses reported seeing the fire from several kilometres away, sparking immediate concern among travellers and residents in nearby areas.
Emergency teams from Dubai Civil Defence responded swiftly to the incident. Firefighters worked rapidly to contain the flames, preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby facilities or aircraft infrastructure. Officials later confirmed that the fire was brought under control within a short period and, importantly, no injuries or casualties were reported.
Despite the quick response, aviation authorities decided to temporarily halt flight operations as a precaution. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority stated that the suspension of flights was necessary to ensure the safety of passengers, airline crews and airport personnel while emergency teams handled the situation.
Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest international travel hubs, connecting hundreds of cities across the globe. Even a brief disruption at the airport can ripple across global flight schedules. Several arriving flights were diverted to nearby airports, while departing flights experienced delays as authorities assessed the situation.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show the intensity of the blaze, with bright flames lighting up the night sky. Although officials have not confirmed the authenticity of all the footage, the images highlighted the seriousness of the incident and the potential risks posed by attacks on critical infrastructure.
The drone strike comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, as military confrontations continue between Iran, Israel and the United States. Analysts warn that attacks targeting civilian or energy infrastructure could significantly escalate the conflict and draw additional countries into the crisis.
Amid the growing tensions, Donald Trump commented on the ongoing military operations against Iran. According to media reports, Trump said the campaign was “progressing wonderfully,” suggesting that the United States was achieving its objectives in the region.
However, the former US president also raised concerns about disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. A significant portion of global oil supply passes through this narrow waterway, making it critical to international energy markets.
Trump claimed that the United States was currently not receiving oil shipments through the strait and urged other nations that depend on the route to take greater responsibility for protecting it. He argued that countries benefiting from the strategic corridor should contribute more actively to ensuring its security.
The disruption of shipping routes has already begun to create anxiety in global markets. Energy analysts warn that prolonged instability in the Gulf region could lead to spikes in oil prices and disruptions in supply chains that affect economies worldwide.
Trump also indicated that rising tensions could affect international diplomacy. He suggested that a planned summit with Xi Jinping might need to be postponed if the conflict continues to interfere with global trade and shipping networks.
Meanwhile, Iran has issued strong warnings regarding potential attacks on its energy facilities. Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would respond decisively to any strike targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.
Araghchi dismissed claims that Iran was seeking negotiations for a ceasefire or truce. Instead, he emphasised that the country would continue defending itself against what it describes as external aggression.
Iran’s military leadership also signalled that attacks on key oil export facilities would have serious global consequences. A senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval forces warned that any strike on Kharg Island would create what he described as a “new and harsh equation” for global energy markets.
Kharg Island plays a vital role in Iran’s oil exports, handling a large portion of the country’s crude shipments to international buyers. Any disruption there could send shockwaves through global oil markets and intensify already volatile energy prices.
Security experts say the combination of attacks on infrastructure, threats to shipping routes and escalating military rhetoric increases the risk of a broader regional conflict. With energy facilities, airports and maritime routes all under potential threat, the situation remains highly unpredictable.
For now, authorities in Dubai say the situation at the airport has stabilised, and operations are expected to gradually return to normal. Yet the drone strike serves as a stark reminder that the ongoing conflict is beginning to reach beyond military targets, raising concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure and the stability of the wider region.