Dubai Airport Drone Incident: Flights Continue Amid Travel Alerts

Dubai Airport Drone Incident and Flight Updates – March 2026

Travelers across the Middle East are closely monitoring developments after a drone incident near Dubai International Airport (DXB). While the event raised safety concerns, airport authorities confirmed that flight operations continue normally, and the airport remains open.

At the same time, several Gulf airports are still adjusting operations following regional tensions and airspace disruptions, while airlines worldwide warn that ticket prices may rise due to higher fuel costs.

Here is a complete breakdown of the latest travel updates affecting Dubai Airport and international flights.

Drone Incident Near Dubai Airport

Authorities confirmed that two drones fell near Dubai International Airport on Wednesday morning, causing injuries to four individuals.

The injured include:

• Two Ghanaian nationals

• One Bangladeshi national

• One Indian national

Reports indicate that the Indian national sustained moderate injuries, while the others suffered minor injuries.

Despite the incident, Dubai Airport operations were not suspended, and flights continued to operate normally. Travelers transiting through Dubai should still check flight updates with their airlines, but DXB remains operational.

Regional Impact: Drone Attack Reported in Oman

Another security incident was reported in Oman’s Salalah port, where footage showed a drone striking an oil facility.

While the situation remains under monitoring, regional authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance across airports and energy infrastructure.

Qatar Flights Helping Stranded Passengers

Following earlier disruptions in regional airspace, more than 500 Indian passengers stranded in Qatar were able to travel home on March 11.

Flights operated by Qatar Airways carried passengers to:

• New Delhi

• Other destinations across India

Additional flights are scheduled to operate:

• March 12 – New Delhi and Mumbai

The Embassy of India in Qatar has also activated 24/7 helplines to assist Indian citizens with travel concerns.

Dubai Airport Operations Gradually Stabilizing

Airport authorities confirmed that Dubai Airports partially resumed operations on March 7 after earlier disruptions.

Flights are currently operating from:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB)

• Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

However, airline schedules remain reduced and are gradually expanding as regional airspace conditions stabilize.

Travelers are advised to monitor airline updates and allow extra time for their journey.

Sharjah Airport Introduces New Passenger Alert Service

Nearby Sharjah Airport has launched a useful new service to help passengers stay updated.

Travelers can now receive real-time flight alerts through multiple platforms, including:

• SMS notifications

• Email alerts

• Facebook Messenger

• Twitter notifications

This system allows passengers to quickly track flight delays or schedule changes.

Bahrain Issues Warning About Online Travel Scams

Authorities in Bahrain have issued an important advisory regarding travel scams circulating online.

Officials clarified that no embassy has authorized private travel agencies to transport passengers abroad during disruptions.

There have also been false rumors on social media claiming that Bahrain captured an Indian spy working for Mossad. Authorities confirmed that this claim is completely false.

Travelers should rely only on official government announcements and verified airline updates.

Delhi Airport Advisory for Travelers

Passengers traveling through Delhi Airport have also been advised to stay alert for schedule changes.

Travelers experiencing delays should:

• Check airport display screens for updated flight and immigration information

• Monitor airline notifications for schedule changes

• Consider booking airport hotels for long layovers or disruptions

These steps can help travelers manage unexpected delays more comfortably.

Global Airfares May Rise Due to Fuel Costs

Another major concern for travelers worldwide is rising ticket prices.

Airlines are introducing fuel surcharges after a surge in global oil prices, partly linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Aviation fuel is one of the largest airline expenses, often accounting for around 40% of operating costs.

As fuel prices increase, airlines usually transfer part of this cost to passengers.

Estimated Fuel Surcharge Increases

Some airlines have introduced additional charges depending on travel distance:

• Southeast Asia routes – about ₹5,500 extra

• Africa routes – about ₹8,300 extra

• Europe routes – about ₹11,500 extra

• North America or Australia – nearly ₹18,400 extra

This means long-haul international travel could soon become significantly more expensive.

Airlines Already Raising Ticket Prices

Several airlines have already started adjusting their fares.

Airlines Increasing Surcharges

• Air India and Air India Express introduced fuel surcharge increases from March 12

• AirAsia adjusted fares across several routes

• Hong Kong Airlines increased surcharges by around 35%

• Qantas raised international fares by about 5%

• Thai Airways may increase ticket prices by 10–15%

Travel experts suggest that passengers planning international trips should book early before prices increase further.

Emirates Flight Operations

Following the partial reopening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule.

Flights to India currently include:

• Ahmedabad

• Bangalore

• Chennai

• Delhi

• Hyderabad

• Kochi

• Kolkata

• Mumbai

• Thiruvananthapuram

More routes may gradually return in the coming days.

Etihad Airways Flight Schedule

Etihad Airways has also begun restoring flights to India.

March 13 Flights

• Ahmedabad

• Bangalore

• Chennai

• Cochin

• Delhi

• Hyderabad

• Kolkata

• Kozhikode

• Mumbai

March 14 Flights

• Ahmedabad

• Cochin

• Hyderabad

• Mumbai

• Delhi

• Chennai

• Kolkata

March 15 Flights

• Ahmedabad

• Bangalore

• Chennai

• Cochin

• Delhi

• Hyderabad

• Kolkata

• Trivandrum

• Mumbai

Additional flights are expected to operate until March 19.

Etihad Issues Online Scam Warning

Etihad Airways also warned passengers about fake social media accounts impersonating airline staff.

Scammers have reportedly sent fraudulent refund forms to passengers online.

The airline confirmed that it will never request the following through social media messages:

• Passwords

• One-time verification codes

• Payment details

Passengers should always verify information through official airline websites.

Other Airline Updates

Gulf Air

Flights remain temporarily suspended because Bahrain airspace is still closed. Operations will resume once the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority confirms reopening.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways announced 29 special flights to assist passengers affected by disruptions.

India routes include:

• March 12 – Delhi

• March 13 – Mumbai and Delhi

Additional flights are scheduled between March 13 and March 17.

Indian Airline Updates

Air India & Air India Express

The airlines will operate 58 scheduled and special flights between India and West Asia on March 12, 2026.

Passengers traveling until March 31, 2026 may request:

• Free date changes

• Free cancellations

However, fare differences may still apply.

Passengers can contact support through:

• WhatsApp

• Airline website

• Mobile app

Akasa Air

Akasa Air will operate selected flights to Jeddah from:

• Ahmedabad

• Bengaluru

• Mumbai

• Kochi

• Kozhikode

Flights to Riyadh remain suspended until March 12, while services from Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait are suspended until March 15.

IndiGo

On March 12, 2026, IndiGo plans to operate flights to nine destinations across the Middle East, along with select routes to Europe.

What Travelers Should Do Now

If you are planning to travel through the Gulf region in the coming days:

• Monitor airline notifications regularly

• Arrive at airports earlier than usual

• Avoid unofficial travel offers circulating online

• Consider booking tickets earlier to avoid rising prices

Despite recent incidents, major airports including Dubai remain operational, and airlines are gradually restoring flight schedules.