The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines until further notice, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said.
The UAE state news agency reported that the suspension follows US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines over their use of international airports and aviation services.
The move comes after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that sanctions against Iranian airlines would take effect on September 23.
Bessent said the measures would severely restrict Iranian carriers’ access to essential aviation services worldwide. He warned that airports and aviation service providers could face secondary US sanctions for refuelling Iranian aircraft, providing landing services or selling tickets for their flights.
“On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent said, adding that companies continuing to support Iranian carriers could risk losing access to the US dollar financial system.
He also said Chinese officials had been involved in discussions with Washington over implementation of the sanctions. According to Bessent, the US held constructive talks with Chinese financial authorities, including People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng, on compliance with the measures.
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