UAE suspends Iranian airlines’ flights over US sanctions — Asharq Al-Awsat

On September 24, the United Arab Emirates suspended all flights by Iranian airlines to and from the country. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said the decision was linked to US sanctions against Iranian carriers, which restrict their use of airports around the world.

Restrictions on Iranian carriers

Asharq Al-Awsat, citing the state news agency WAM, reported on the decision by the Emirati aviation regulator. Dubai, the UAE’s commercial hub, was one of the main destinations for Iranian airlines: several flights operated daily between the countries, while Dubai is home to a large Iranian community and has close business ties with Iran.

According to the outlet, an Iran Airtour flight from Tehran to Dubai was cancelled on the morning of September 24 shortly before its scheduled departure, even though tickets had already been issued. Dubai International Airport was often used by Iranian passengers for transit to Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as for business trips.

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Sanctions and Iran’s response

In early September, the United States imposed sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector and warned of possible restrictions on companies cooperating with Iranian carriers. Companies were given until September 23 to stop, among other things, refuelling Iranian aircraft, or they could lose access to the dollar-based financial system.

Other neighbouring countries also introduced restrictions, prompting major Iranian airlines to begin cancelling international flights. On September 24, Turkmenistan did not allow an aircraft flying from Tehran to Dushanbe to pass through its airspace, so it turned back. Majid Akhavan, spokesperson for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, told the state news agency IRNA that diplomatic and aviation talks with the UAE were ongoing on lifting the restrictions and restoring flights.

Despite the sanctions, some small Iranian carriers continue international flights, including to China and Armenia. The largest Iranian airlines for international transportation are the state-owned Iran Air and the private Mahan.