The United Arab Emirates temporarily closed its airspace on Tuesday, March 17, after its air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones fired from Iran, authorities said, as regional hostilities linked to the ongoing confrontation involving the United States and Israel entered their 18th day.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) described the move as an “exceptional precautionary measure” imposed to protect aircraft, crew and national territory at a time of heightened security risk.

UAE confirms missile and drone interceptions

State media reported that the country’s defence systems were actively engaging Iranian projectiles on Tuesday morning. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that multiple threats had been intercepted, prompting the unprecedented full airspace shutdown.

Officials in Dubai said loud blasts heard across parts of the emirate were the result of successful air-defence interceptions. In Abu Dhabi, a drone strike triggered a fire at the Shah gas field, one of the world’s largest sour gas facilities. Authorities said the blaze had been swiftly contained and operations suspended while damage assessments were carried out.

Aviation disruptions across the region

The airspace closure caused widespread disruption to air travel as carriers across West Asia announced cancellations and limited operations.

Dubai-based Emirates had earlier begun restoring some services following a separate drone-related fire near an airport, though the impact of the latest shutdown remained uncertain. Etihad Airways said it had already been operating a reduced schedule.

Neighbouring airlines were also affected. Oman Air cancelled flights to several destinations – including Dubai, Doha and Bahrain – until 31 March. Qatar Airways said services remained suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, with only limited flights expected between 18 and 28 March. Turkey’s national carrier, Turkish Airlines, listed cancellations across major Middle Eastern routes, including to the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.

Air Canada, Delta Air Lines and Wizz Air also extended suspensions of flights to Tel Aviv amid intensifying regional instability.

Fire near Dubai Airport after drone strike

A day earlier, a large fire erupted close to Dubai International Airport after a drone struck a fuel tank, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and prompting road closures. Flight operations were briefly halted and several services diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport as a precaution.

Videos circulating online showed a fireball rising from the tank moments after impact. Authorities confirmed that airport operations were suspended temporarily to ensure passenger and staff safety.

Regional conflict reaches day 18

The UAE’s airspace closure comes as the confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran escalates further. The conflict began on 28 February after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and caused significant damage to key government and military sites.

Iran has since launched a series of attacks on US bases and interests throughout the Middle East, with tensions spreading across multiple fronts and drawing in regional states.

The GCAA urged passengers to contact airlines for updated flight information and said carriers, in coordination with local authorities, would provide accommodation and necessary assistance. It reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew remained its “top priority” and urged the public to rely solely on official information sources.