An incident involving a drone striking a fuel tank near Dubai’s airport led to the cancellation of several flights by a major airline. Emirates announced a limited flight schedule starting after 10 am local time on Monday, March 16, with some flights from the day’s schedule being axed.

Following the drone-fueled fire near Dubai International Airport, all flight operations were halted temporarily, prompting the airline to adjust its services. This development occurred amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, leading to disruptions in oil supply and air travel disturbances.

Emirates issued a statement acknowledging the cancellations and assured affected passengers of notification and alternative rebooking options. Travelers were advised to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and were offered the flexibility to adjust and rebook their flights online within 72 hours of the original departure date.

As the situation continues to be evaluated, Emirates committed to providing regular updates. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the resumption of flights to specific destinations, with Emirates Airline gradually restoring limited operations post a temporary suspension due to the drone incident.

The drone collision with a fuel tank early Monday triggered a fire, necessitating the suspension of flight operations for a brief period.