UAE Suspends Iranian Airline Operations Following Secondary US Aviation Sanctions

The United Arab Emirates suspended all flights operated by Iranian carriers to and from the country effective September 24, 2026, according to official notices and regional aviation reports. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority attributed the measure to US sanctions that penalise international airports, refuelling operations, and ground-handling service providers dealing with Iranian commercial aircraft.

Commercial hubs including Dubai International implemented the restrictions to protect compliance with global dollar-clearing regulations. The closure halts multiple daily services between Iranian cities and the UAE, which has served as a central commercial and passenger transfer point connecting Iran to international networks.

Regional reports indicate the UAE's move follows similar airspace and airport restrictions against Iranian carriers introduced by neighbouring countries, including Oman, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkmenistan. Airline operators have scaled back routes across the region, including cancellations of regional services by Mahan Air.

According to travel sector sources in Tehran, direct flight corridors linking Iran with China and select destinations in Turkey remain operational, though travellers face severe transit constraints following the closure of Gulf routes.