Flights to and from Dubai International Airport were disrupted on Monday after a drone-related incident near the airport prompted authorities to suspend operations temporarily. Following the development, Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express announced the cancellation of all their flights operating to and from Dubai.
In a statement posted on social media, Air India said the cancellations were necessary after Dubai International Airport temporarily halted flight operations due to safety concerns. The airline also informed passengers that they could reschedule their travel for another date or cancel their booking and receive a full refund.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused by these unavoidable operational constraints,” the airline said, adding that its staff would assist passengers affected by the disruption.
Operations Continue For Other UAE Cities
While services to Dubai remain suspended, Air India Express clarified that its ad-hoc flight operations to and from other cities in the United Arab Emirates will continue as scheduled. Flights connecting India with Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah are expected to operate normally.
Drone Incident Near Airport
Authorities reported that a fire broke out near Dubai International Airport after a drone-related incident. According to the Dubai Media Office, the drone struck near a fuel storage facility in the vicinity of the airport.
“A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport affected one of the fuel tanks,” the Dubai Media Office said in a statement.
Following the incident, airport authorities suspended flights for the day as a precaution. Major carriers such as Emirates also advised passengers not to travel to the airport until operations resume.
Flights Diverted Or Returned
One Dubai-bound flight operated by Air India from Kochi was forced to return mid-air hours after take-off following the incident near the airport.
Regional Tensions Impact Aviation
The disruption comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Reports indicate that the United Arab Emirates has been among the countries most affected by drone and missile attacks since the start of the ongoing regional conflict, with hundreds of projectiles reportedly targeting the region.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation while airlines review flight schedules depending on security and operational conditions.
