A drone strike hit Dubai International Airport on the morning of March 16, while one person was confirmed to be killed in a separate missile strike on Abu Dhabi. 

While the UAE’s airspace was closed after the initial drone and missile strikes originating in Iran, the country has since gradually reopened its airspace, with Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai announcing limited flight resumptions. Still, repeated incidents have continued causing temporary aviation disruptions.

The airport strike ignited a fuel tank, prompting the temporary suspension of flights as a precautionary measure, Dubai Media Office confirmed via X.

Dubai Civil Defence teams contained the fire with no injuries reported, according to the Dubai Media Office. Dubai Airports subsequently diverted some flights from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport whilst operations were disrupted.

At 10:08 local time, Dubai Media Office confirmed the gradual resumption of some flights to selected destinations. "Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights," the update warned, noting that not all flights were guaranteed to proceed as scheduled.

That same morning, Abu Dhabi authorities confirmed that a missile hit a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyah area, resulting in the death of a Palestinian national.