UAE suspends flights to Iran

The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines as US sanctions against Iran’s aviation sector intensify amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced that Iranian airlines would no longer be allowed to operate flights to or from the country. The decision came into effect on Thursday and follows measures introduced by Washington to increase economic pressure on Iran.

The suspension affects a key air route between Iran and the UAE. Dubai is a major destination for Iranian travellers and has long maintained close commercial and financial links with Iran. The city is also home to a large Iranian community and is frequently used as a transit point for travellers heading to Europe, Asia and Africa.

An Iran Airtour flight travelling from Tehran to Dubai was cancelled shortly before departure on Thursday, despite passengers having already purchased tickets. The incident highlighted the immediate impact of the new restrictions.

The UAE has taken several other measures against Iran in recent weeks. Last month, the country suspended trade and financial exchanges with Iran. On Wednesday, the UAE central bank also blocked transactions involving branches of Iran’s Bank Melli, citing concerns related to financial regulations and sanctions.

The latest restrictions follow US sanctions imposed on Iran’s aviation industry earlier this month. Washington gave companies involved with Iranian airlines a deadline to comply with the measures. Companies that continued providing services such as aircraft refuelling could face restrictions on access to the US dollar-based financial system.

The sanctions have already affected Iranian international air travel. Several neighbouring countries have introduced restrictions, forcing major Iranian airlines to cancel or suspend international services.

Turkmenistan also restricted Iranian aviation operations on Thursday. An Iranian flight travelling from Tehran towards Dushanbe was reportedly forced to return after it was not allowed to continue through Turkmenistan’s airspace.

Iranian aviation authorities said diplomatic and aviation discussions were underway with the UAE to resolve the restrictions and restore flights.

Despite the growing restrictions, some Iranian airlines continue to operate international services. Flights to countries including China and Armenia remain available on selected routes. China has not followed US pressure to impose the same restrictions on Iranian aviation.