Key facts
- UAE suspended flights by Iranian airlines until further notice.
- The decision is in response to US sanctions on Iranian airlines.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the goal is to halt international operations of Iranian airlines.
- An Iran Airtour flight from Tehran to Dubai was cancelled.
- Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Oman have also halted flights by Iranian airlines.
The United Arab Emirates' General Civil Aviation Authority announced on Thursday, September 24, 2026, that it has suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice. The authority cited US sanctions imposed on Iranian airlines for their use of airports worldwide as the basis for the decision.
According to Iranian media, the suspension means all flights by Iranian airlines to the UAE have been cancelled since midnight. An Iran Airtour flight from Tehran to Dubai was reportedly cancelled shortly before its departure due to the halt.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously stated that companies providing fuel, airport services, or ticketing to Iranian airlines risked sanctions and restricted access to the US dollar-based financial system. He indicated these measures were intended to halt the international operations of Iranian carriers. The Trump administration had designated 27 Iranian airlines and associated entities on September 8 as part of its efforts to exert financial pressure on Iran.
This move by the UAE follows similar actions by Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Oman, which have also halted flights operated by Iranian airlines. Restrictions have also been placed on Iranian services to Baghdad.