UAE suspends flights by Iranian carriers, citing US airport access ban

The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian air carriers until further notice, according to the country's Civil Aviation Authority. The decision is set to take effect on Thursday.

The authority cited a decision by the United States barring Iranian airlines from using airports around the world as the basis for its move. The suspension applies to Iranian carriers operating flights to and from the UAE, though the Civil Aviation Authority described the measure as being in effect until further notice rather than as a permanent step.

Regional aviation ties

The UAE and Iran maintain significant trade and travel links, including regular commercial air traffic between the two countries. A suspension of Iranian carrier flights would be expected to affect passengers traveling between the two countries as well as connecting traffic that routes through UAE airports.

The move comes against a backdrop of broader US restrictions targeting Iranian aviation, which have periodically affected Iranian carriers' ability to operate internationally, including access to spare parts, fuel and airport services in various jurisdictions.

The Civil Aviation Authority has not indicated when the suspension might be reviewed or lifted. Further details on which specific carriers and routes are affected were not immediately available.