Dubai flight disruptions: IndiGo travel advisory issued for passengers

Dubai: Dubai, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs and a favourite destination for Indian travellers, has temporarily suspended landing permissions for foreign airlines at its main airports following a security incident.

The suspension affects Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Authorities cited the “prevailing situation within the region” and stressed passenger, crew, and airport staff safety. Landing permissions remain halted until further notice.

The disruption followed a fire at a fuel tank near DXB, reportedly caused by a drone attack, forcing several flights to divert or return to their origin cities. Emirates flights from Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram were among those impacted.

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IndiGo, India’s largest budget airline, confirmed cancellations on social media and issued a new travel advisory, urging passengers to check flight status online before heading to the airport. Other carriers have similarly adjusted operations as authorities continue security assessments.

Dubai is India’s largest international aviation destination, with multiple daily flights connecting major Indian cities. The suspension comes amid declining passenger numbers, particularly on long-haul flights from Europe and the US, where some planes have been operating at 5–20% capacity. In one case, an Airbus A380 landed with fewer than 35 passengers.

Travellers are advised to

• Check airline websites and official airport updates regularly.
• Avoid travelling to airports without a confirmed flight status.
• Monitor regional safety advisories.