The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian air carriers to and from the country until further notice, according to the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said the suspension took effect Thursday, Sept. 24, citing the impact of recent United States sanctions on Iranian airlines.
In a statement carried by WAM, the authority said the decision was made “in light of the US ban imposed on Iranian airlines from using airports in various countries around the world.”
The authority did not provide a specific date for the resumption of flights. Instead, it said it would continue to monitor developments and update relevant authorities and the public until air traffic between the UAE and Iran returns to normal.
The UAE aviation authority also urged members of the public to rely exclusively on official sources for information concerning the suspension and any subsequent changes.
US Sanctions on Iranian Airlines
The UAE decision follows a US sanctions measure affecting Iranian airlines and their international operations.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that Iranian airlines’ operations worldwide would come to a halt from Sept. 23 as part of sanctions imposed on Iran.
The measure has already had consequences for Iranian international air connections, with Iranian media reporting cancellations of flights between Iran and Iraq and between Iran and Oman on Sept. 23.
The UAE's suspension therefore represents another disruption to Iranian aviation links with countries in the region.
The latest decision is particularly significant because the UAE and Iran maintain important commercial and transportation connections, making changes to air travel relevant to passengers, airlines and businesses operating between the two countries.
Wider Regional Tensions
The aviation developments come against the backdrop of broader tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel.
According to the information provided, the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in thousands of deaths. Tehran subsequently responded with attacks against Israel and US sites in countries across the region.
The United States later carried out additional attacks against targets in Iran as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington encountered difficulties.
The conflict and subsequent diplomatic tensions have also affected regional transportation and security conditions, including concerns surrounding strategic waterways and international aviation.
Dispute Over Strait of Hormuz
Negotiations between Iran and the United States have also faced disagreements over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime passage through which significant volumes of energy and other goods move.
The talks reportedly stalled over the issue despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two sides in mid-June.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is an important route for international energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption or uncertainty surrounding navigation through the waterway could have wider implications for regional trade and global energy markets.
Against this background, restrictions affecting Iranian airlines add another layer to the transportation challenges facing Iran.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said it would continue providing updates as developments occur. For now, Iranian air carriers remain suspended from operating flights to and from the UAE.
The authority's decision took effect on Sept. 24 and remains in place until further notice. It has not announced a specific timeline for restoring flights, saying updates will be issued as the situation develops.
The suspension follows the broader US sanctions action against Iranian airlines and comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Passengers and businesses affected by the suspension will therefore need to monitor official announcements from the UAE aviation authorities and relevant airlines for information concerning cancellations, alternative travel arrangements and any eventual resumption of services.
