DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates has indefinitely suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country, amid heightened international restrictions on Iran’s aviation sector.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said the suspension took effect on Thursday and would remain in place until normal air traffic between the UAE and Iran resumes.
According to the authority, the decision was taken in light of US restrictions imposed on Iranian airlines and concerns over their access to airports and aviation services worldwide.
The GCAA said it would continue monitoring developments until regular air connectivity between the two countries is restored. Relevant authorities and the public will be kept informed about any changes, it added.
The UAE move comes after the United States imposed a new package of secondary sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector. Washington has warned foreign airports and companies that providing services to sanctioned Iranian airlines could expose them to financial penalties.
The services covered by the US measures include aircraft refuelling, landing assistance, ticketing and other aviation-related support.
The US Treasury announced a broad sanctions package against Iran’s aviation industry on September 8, targeting 27 Iranian airlines along with dozens of individuals and entities linked to the sector.
Washington alleges that Iranian commercial airlines are used to transport weapons and personnel and to help Tehran circumvent existing sanctions. Iran has rejected the allegations and condemned the US measures as part of a broader campaign of economic pressure.
The impact of the restrictions has already been reported in several countries. Iranian airlines have suspended some flights to destinations including Baghdad, Muscat and Qatar, while Georgia and Azerbaijan have also halted flights operated by Iranian carriers. Some services to countries including China and Türkiye reportedly remain operational.
Iranian media reported that flights from Iran to the UAE were cancelled from midnight on Thursday, including an Iran Airtour service from Tehran to Dubai.
The UAE has not set a date for resuming the suspended flights.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticised the US sanctions, saying such measures would strengthen Iran’s resistance to external pressure.
Iranian officials have also warned neighbouring countries against complying with the sanctions, suggesting Tehran could take retaliatory measures.
