Dubai DXB. Photo: Sebastian Castelier / Shutterstock The regional war continues to have a severe impact on aviation in the Gulf countries. Tonight (March 16, 2026) at around 03:30, Dubai Airport announced that all flights had been halted, activity had been suspended, and the airport was effectively closed to takeoffs and landings.
At around 06:00 (GMT), Dubai's Ministry of Communications announced that the airport was reopening gradually and to certain destinations only
Tonight, the Ministry of Transportation announced that a drone, apparently launched from Iran, hit a fuel tank near the airport, which is the reason for the halt in operations. Dubai's official media office updated that several flights were grounded at Al Maktoum International Airport - DWC.
The airport statement read: "Flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff."
For passengers scheduled to fly to or from Dubai, it says, "Please contact the airlines for the latest flight updates. Further updates will be shared as they become available."
Emirates used X to let passengers know that "All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended", urging them not to go to the airport.