UAE suspends Iranian airlines’ flights to and from the country

The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country, effective Thursday, 24 September, until further notice, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said.

The authority said the decision was taken in response to a US ban affecting Iranian airlines’ use of airports in countries around the world. It did not identify individual airlines or specific routes affected by the suspension.

The GCAA said it would continue updating authorities and the public on developments while air services between the UAE and Iran remain suspended. It also urged passengers to rely on official and authorised sources for information about flight operations.

The UAE decision follows a wider US move against Iran’s aviation sector. On 8 September, the US Treasury Department sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines, saying the measure was aimed at isolating Iran’s aviation industry and targeting companies and intermediaries supporting the carriers.

The Treasury also suspended three aviation-related authorisations, including those covering overflights and the operation of US-origin or US-controlled commercial aircraft into Iran by non-US airlines. Washington said foreign companies assisting sanctioned Iranian airlines could face consequences under its sanctions regime.

Reuters reported that the September sanctions represented a major expansion of US pressure on Iran’s aviation sector. The agency said the measures targeted Mahan Air and other Iranian carriers, as well as foreign companies accused by Washington of supporting Iran’s aviation operations.

The US action has raised questions about international connectivity for Iranian carriers. An Al Jazeera analysis published on 22 September said major Iranian airlines including Mahan Air, Iran Air and Qeshm Air operate regional routes, with Dubai among the airports directly affected by the emerging restrictions.

The UAE aviation authority did not give a timetable for restoring Iranian airline services. Its suspension remains in force until further notice.