Last Updated: March 2026 | Reading Time: 7 minutes | Author: AmazingMiles Editorial Team

Dubai International Airport confirmed a drone strike hit one of its fuel tanks in the early morning hours of March 16, igniting a large fire and prompting temporary airspace closures at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The incident marks the latest in a series of disruptions affecting air travel throughout the Persian Gulf region, raising serious questions about the viability of award bookings and connections through Middle East carriers.

What Happened at Dubai International Airport

The Dubai Media Office confirmed that a “drone incident” affected a fuel tank at Dubai International Airport shortly after 3 a.m. local time on March 16. Civil defense teams responded to control the resulting fire, and authorities reported no injuries from the incident.

Airspace over Dubai was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, with passengers and airport staff ordered to shelter in place. Aircraft that had been circling off the UAE coast were cleared to resume landing operations within less than an hour after the airspace reopened.

Despite official attempts to limit information sharing about the security situation, multiple eyewitness videos showing the fire at the airport appeared on social media platforms. The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing regional conflict that began on February 28, which has severely disrupted air travel throughout the Middle East.

Pattern of Airport Disruptions in the Region

This fuel tank strike is not an isolated event. Within hours of the conflict’s start in late February, what is believed to have been a drone struck the roof of Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, causing damage to the concourse and injuring at least four people.

On March 8, another drone reportedly exploded near Terminal 3 and close to a parked Emirates aircraft, injuring four additional people. After this incident, Emirates stopped providing public updates on its schedule restoration progress, though the airline has continued rebuilding its network.

Other regional airports have faced similar threats. Kuwaiti authorities announced that a drone struck a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, while Bahrain’s airport in Manama has been repeatedly targeted. All operations at airports in Kuwait and Bahrain have been suspended since February 29.

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport is operating only a handful of flights each day, a dramatic reduction from normal operations for Qatar Airways, which uses Doha as its global hub.

Emirates Pushes Forward Despite Security Concerns

Emirates has led Persian Gulf carriers in attempting to restore service, now operating just over 60% of its pre-conflict schedule. Industry sources had indicated the airline was targeting a complete return to pre-conflict capacity by March 29, though Monday’s fuel tank incident may affect those ambitious plans.

The airline and its sister carrier FlyDubai operated a combined 452 flights to and from Dubai International Airport on March 13, demonstrating a significant operational commitment despite the security environment. Passengers can currently book Emirates flights as normal and connect through Dubai similar to pre-conflict operations.

However, the situation remains fluid. Iranian media reportedly warned people living in Dubai to avoid ports across the emirate as they would be subject to attack. While many initially interpreted this as referring to seaports, Dubai International Airport has clearly become a target.

Government Travel Warnings Impact Connection Options

The Australian government has advised its citizens not to use Dubai as a transit destination, even for connections, as the United Arab Emirates is currently under a “Do Not Travel” advisory. This recommendation came over the weekend, just days before the latest fuel tank incident.

This type of government warning creates practical problems for travelers holding award tickets or paid reservations through Dubai. While the airport remains technically operational, official advisories against transit through a hub can complicate travel insurance coverage and create liability concerns for travelers who choose to proceed with their bookings.

The warnings also raise questions about airline waiver policies and whether carriers will offer penalty-free rebooking for passengers concerned about transiting through affected airports.

Why This Matters for Travelers

For U.S. travelers who rely on Middle East carriers for award travel to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent, the ongoing disruption presents serious planning challenges. Emirates Skywards miles, which many U.S. travelers earn through credit card partnerships and transfers from programs like American Express Membership Rewards, become harder to redeem when the airline’s hub faces security threats.

The situation also affects travelers holding reservations booked with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles on Emirates, or American Airlines AAdvantage miles on Qatar Airways and Etihad. Qatar’s severely reduced schedule from Doha and the uncertainty around Dubai operations limit award seat availability and create rebooking complications.

Business and first class award redemptions to popular destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, and East Africa often route through these Middle East hubs. With Dubai’s operational status uncertain day to day and Qatar operating minimal service, travelers may need to pivot to alternative routing through European or Asian hubs, which typically require more miles and may not offer the same lie-flat premium cabin products.

The fuel tank fire also highlights infrastructure vulnerability at even the most modern aviation facilities. Dubai International Airport serves as a critical connection point in the global aviation network, and extended disruptions would force significant rebooking across multiple airline alliances and partnerships.

Operational Realities for Award Bookings

Travelers with existing award bookings through Dubai or other affected Gulf airports should monitor their reservations closely. Airlines typically provide waivers during irregular operations, but the definition of what constitutes a rebookable disruption varies by carrier.

Some travelers may find their flights operate as scheduled despite the security situation, creating a decision point about whether to travel as planned or request changes. Government travel advisories can provide justification for penalty-free changes, though policies differ between airlines and booking channels.

For those planning future award bookings, the situation demonstrates the value of booking flexibility and considering routing alternatives. While Middle East carriers often provide excellent value for premium cabin redemptions, operational disruptions of this nature are difficult to predict and can affect travel plans with little advance notice.

FAQs

Are Emirates flights currently operating normally?

Emirates is operating just over 60% of its pre-conflict schedule and continues accepting bookings through Dubai. However, the operational situation can change quickly based on security conditions.

Can I change my award ticket if I’m concerned about transiting through Dubai?

Change policies vary by airline and loyalty program. Contact the airline or program that issued your ticket to discuss options. Government travel advisories may provide grounds for penalty-free changes, though this is not guaranteed.

What alternative hubs can I use for award travel to Asia and Africa?

European hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam offer connections to most destinations served by Middle East carriers. Asian hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo provide alternative routing for some markets, though award availability and mileage requirements will differ.

Will this affect Emirates Skywards program status or benefits?

Details remain unclear about how Emirates will handle elite status qualification during the disrupted period. Members concerned about meeting tier requirements should contact the Skywards program directly for guidance.

AmazingMiles Verdict

The fuel tank strike at Dubai International Airport represents another complication in what has become an extended period of operational uncertainty for Middle East aviation. While Emirates deserves recognition for maintaining service levels that far exceed its regional competitors, the fundamental security situation remains unresolved. Travelers should approach award bookings through Dubai with clear understanding of the risks and have contingency plans for alternative routing.

For those with existing reservations, the situation requires active monitoring and willingness to make last-minute adjustments. The value proposition of Middle East carriers for premium cabin awards remains compelling when operations run smoothly, but current conditions introduce variables that many travelers may find unacceptable. Government travel advisories provide important guidance, and travelers should carefully consider whether transit through affected airports aligns with their personal risk tolerance, regardless of operational status. The coming weeks will reveal whether Emirates can meet its ambitious March 29 restoration target or if ongoing security incidents will force more conservative scheduling.