Dubai Airport Resumes Flights After Drone Attack Sparks Fuel Tank Fire

Dubai’s international airport has resumed operations after flights were temporarily suspended following a fuel tank fire triggered by a drone attack on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Below are the latest developments in the ongoing Middle East war:
Dubai resumes flights
Authorities announced that flights were gradually resuming at Dubai airport on Monday after a “drone-related incident” caused a fuel tank fire near the facility.

Operations at the airport — normally the world’s busiest for international travel — had been halted following the incident. The airport has experienced significant disruptions since the conflict began on February 28.
Later, the Emirati defence ministry said its air defence systems were intercepting a wave of Iranian drones and missiles, though it did not specify the exact locations within the Gulf nation.
Blasts in Tehran
Explosions were reported in the Iranian capital on Monday, hours after Israel said it had carried out large-scale overnight strikes.
The blasts were heard in central Tehran as air defence systems were activated. It was not immediately clear which targets had been hit.
‘Limited’ operations
The Israeli military announced on Monday that it had begun what it described as “limited ground operations” against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
“In recent days, IDF troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed at enhancing the forward defence area,” the military said in a statement.
EU considers naval mission
Foreign ministers from the European Union were expected to meet on Monday to discuss extending the bloc’s Red Sea naval mission in an effort to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.
US President Donald Trump has been urging global powers to assist in reopening the vital oil transport route, which Iran has effectively shut down.
Oil prices rise
Oil prices continued to climb, with Brent North Sea crude rising by three percent to $106.50 per barrel during Monday trading.
UAE oil zone attacked
Authorities said a drone strike targeted oil infrastructure in the Fujairah oil industry zone on the UAE’s eastern coast, igniting a large fire.
Drones intercepted in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 61 drones in the eastern region of the country since midnight, according to defence ministry figures shared on X on Monday.
Missile strike in Abu Dhabi
Authorities said a Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, after a missile struck the car they were in.
Iran World Cup participation
Despite the escalating conflict, Iran’s men’s football team still intends to participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America, according to an official from the Asian Football Confederation.
“As far as we know, Iran is playing,” said Windsor Paul John, the confederation’s general secretary, during a press conference.
Trump had earlier warned that the team’s “life and safety” could be at risk.
Iran condemns strikes
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned Israeli strikes on fuel depots in Tehran, describing them as “ecocide” due to potential long-term health risks to residents.
Trump says talks ongoing
Trump said the United States was in discussions with Iran, though he added that Tehran was not yet ready to reach an agreement to end the war, which has entered its third week.
“But I don’t think they’re ready. But they are getting pretty close,” Trump said. Iran’s foreign minister had earlier denied that any talks with the United States were taking place.
Trump also warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if US allies fail to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” he said.
He also noted that a planned summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be delayed as he continues to push for China’s support in reopening the strait.
Japan said it was not considering maritime security operations, while Australia ruled out sending a naval vessel to the Strait of Hormuz following Trump’s request.