Dubai’s international airport is gradually resuming flights after a fuel tank fire caused by a drone attack forced a temporary closure and flights to reroute, spotlighting the challenge for airlines grappling with the Middle East crisis. The conflict has also thrown global aviation into turmoil, with flights cancelled, rescheduled and rerouted, as most Middle East airspace stays shut over fears of missile and drone attacks. Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox. In a statement on X posted by the Dubai Media Office earlier on Monday, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority flagged a “gradual resumption” of some flights to selected destinations. “Civil Defence teams have confirmed that the fire in a fuel tank in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport has been extinguished.

Source: International New York Times March 16, 2026 19:53 UTC