ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice, widening the aviation restrictions affecting Iranian carriers during the conflict.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority announced the measure on September 24 and said it took effect the same day.
The authority said the decision was made in light of a US ban on Iranian airlines using airports in countries around the world. It said relevant authorities and the public would be updated as developments arise and normal air traffic between the UAE and Iran is eventually restored.
The wording of the UAE decision is specific to flights operated by Iranian airlines. It should not be read as a general statement that every form of air travel between Iran and the UAE has been permanently prohibited.
The suspension adds to pressure on Iran’s aviation links at a time when the wider conflict has already disrupted regional travel, trade and transport networks.
The UAE is one of the Gulf’s largest aviation hubs, so restrictions there can have consequences beyond direct Iran-UAE journeys, particularly for passengers and businesses that use Gulf airports for regional connections.
For travellers in Pakistan and elsewhere in the region, the immediate impact will depend on individual itineraries and carriers. Passengers using Iranian airlines or connections involving Iran should check current airline and airport information before travel as restrictions can change quickly.