Emirates has issued a travel update for UK passengers following a temporary closure of Dubai International Airport after a drone strike hit a fuel tank in the United Arab Emirates.
Emirates is operating flights on a limited schedule following drone strike in Dubai International Airport
The incident occurred early Monday (16.03.26), when an Iranian drone struck a fuel tank near the airport, the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic, causing a large fire.
Firefighters contained the blaze, and no injuries were reported, but all flights were temporarily suspended.
Emirates announced that flights have now resumed, though on a “limited schedule” with some cancellations.
A statement on its travel updates page said: “Emirates expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00hrs Dubai local time today. Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.”
The airline advised passengers to check flight status before travelling and to use its online booking tools or app to amend flights within 72 hours.
Emirates added: “If you are unable to rebook, please contact us. If you booked with a travel agent, please contact the agent for rebooking."
Yesterday, at 09:50am Dubai time, Emirates told travellers all flights to and from Dubai were “temporarily suspended” and urged passengers not to go to the airport.
The airline emphasised: “The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.”
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to the UAE. It warns that regional tensions present “significant security risks and have led to travel disruption” and urges travellers to avoid areas near security or military facilities, as well as US and Israeli government sites.
For those already in Dubai, the FCDO recommends following local authorities’ instructions and monitoring media updates.
UK nationals are also advised to check airline availability if they need to return home, as the “register your interest in flights from UAE” scheme remains paused while commercial flights resume.