Air India, Air India Express cancel Dubai flights after fire near Airport

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 16, 2026: Air India and Air India Express cancelled all flights to Dubai on Monday amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Flight operations were suspended after a fire broke out near Dubai International Airport when an Iranian missile reportedly struck an oil tanker nearby. While no casualties have been reported, all flights to and from the airport were temporarily halted.

Following the incident, the Indian airlines issued a statement confirming the cancellation of all Dubai-bound and Dubai-origin flights for the day and assured assistance to affected passengers.

“Dubai International Airport has temporarily suspended all flight operations. As a result, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Dubai have been cancelled for the day,” Air India said in a post on X.

The airline said affected passengers can either rebook their travel for a later date or cancel their tickets and receive a full refund at no additional cost.

Air India Express added that its ad-hoc flight services to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah will continue as scheduled. The airlines also said their teams are working to assist stranded passengers and help them reach their destinations at the earliest.

Tensions in West Asia escalated following missile strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on several US bases in the region, including locations in the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.