The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice, with the restrictions taking effect on Thursday, September 24.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced the measure through the state-run WAM news agency, linking the decision to recently imposed US restrictions on Iranian carriers.
“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 said.
The aviation regulator said it would provide further updates to authorities and the public as developments unfold and until air traffic between the UAE and Iran returns to normal. It also urged travellers to rely on official sources for information.
The UAE move follows an announcement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday that operations by Iranian airlines worldwide would come to a halt from September 23 as part of Washington’s sanctions against Tehran.
Iranian media reported that flights connecting Iran with Iraq and Oman were also cancelled on September 23 following the US sanctions decision.
The aviation restrictions come against the backdrop of the continuing US-Iran conflict, which began after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28. Iran subsequently carried out retaliatory attacks against Israel and US sites in the region.
Washington later conducted additional strikes on targets inside Iran as diplomatic efforts between the two countries struggled to produce a lasting settlement.
Although the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding in June as part of efforts to establish a framework for ending the conflict, negotiations subsequently stalled.
Among the unresolved issues are disagreements concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for international energy shipments and trade.