The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights by Iranian air carriers to and from the country until further notice, according to the state-run WAM news agency.
The General Civil Aviation Authority said the decision took effect on Thursday, September 24.
In a statement carried by WAM, the authority said that “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 it will continue to update relevant authorities and the public on any developments until air traffic between the UAE and Iran returns to normal.
It also urged the public to rely only on official sources for information.
Iran has nearly 30 airlines, most operating domestic regional routes. Iran Air, the national carrier, and Mahan, a private company, are the largest for international travel.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that Iranian airlines’ operations worldwide would come to a halt as of September 23 as part of sanctions imposed on Iran.
Following the US sanctions decision, flights between Iran and Iraq, as well as between Iran and Oman, were cancelled on September 23, according to Iranian media.
Bessent warned international hubs servicing Iranian planes would face complete exclusion from the American banking system and that foreign operators cannot refuel the aircraft, provide landing facilities, or sell passenger tickets without risking their access to dollar clearing.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched a war against Iran that left thousands dead, while Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and US sites in countries across the region.
The US later carried out additional attacks on sites in Iran amid a deadlock in negotiations between Tehran and Washington, despite the two sides signing a memorandum of understanding in mid-June.
The talks have since stalled over disagreements concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important strategic routes for energy and goods supplies.
