Dubai International Airport installs metal cages to protect fuel tanks from drones

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have completed the installation of massive metal wire cages around fuel tanks at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The construction aims to protect critical infrastructure from kamikaze drone attacks launched by Iran.

The security measures follow a significant disruption on March 16, when an explosive-laden Iranian drone directly hit a fuel tank, causing a massive fire and forcing the closure of regional airspace. The incident resulted in smoke plumes visible over the Mirdif area and required aircraft to divert to alternative airports.

Additional reports indicate that the airport has faced multiple strikes, including an attack targeting Terminal 3 that caused injuries and damage to an Emirates Airbus A380 and a Saudia Airlines Airbus A321. While the new mesh cages are designed to defend against low-cost drone threats, they are not intended to protect against missile attacks.