Dubai International Airport was temporarily closed after a drone struck a fuel tank and caused a fire, while Emirates said it expects to operate a limited schedule
A major airline has said it cancelled some flights after a fire broke out near Dubai’s airport when a drone struck a fuel tank.
Emirates said in a statement that it expects to operate a limited schedule after 10am Dubai local time on Monday, March 16. The airline added that some flights from Monday’s schedule have been cancelled.
The announcement come after Dubai International Airport was temporarily closed and all flight operations suspended after a drone struck a fuel tank and caused a fire.
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The Middle East has entered its third week of conflict after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran has retaliated, plunging the region into conflict, disrupting the movement of oil out of the region and cause chaos for air travel.
“Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options,” Emirates said in a statement.
Emirates told passengers to check that their flight is operating before heading to the airport.
Travellers can amend bookings and rebook flights online within 72 hours of your original departure date.
Emirates said it will continue to publish updates as it assesses the situation.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced flights are operating to select destinations, according to the Dubai Media Office. Emirates Airline says limited operations have restarted after an hours long hiatus and some cancellations.
A drone struck a fuel tank at the airport early Monday, causing a fire and forcing the temporary suspension of flights.
