UPDATE — The United Arab Emirates officially suspended, until further notice, all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said the measure took effect on Thursday, September 24, 2026 and linked it to new US sanctions targeting Iranian aviation.
What is known
In a statement carried by state news agency WAM, the GCAA announced the suspension of services operated by Iranian carriers to and from the UAE from September 24 “until further notice”. The authority said the decision followed US restrictions concerning the use of foreign airports by affected Iranian airlines.
The measure applies to Iranian carriers. It does not mean that Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah airports are closed, nor that all foreign airlines have stopped serving the UAE.
What changes
The GCAA announcement turned what had been developing operational disruption into an official nationwide restriction: Iranian airlines could no longer operate UAE services while the suspension remained in force. Passengers holding tickets on Iranian carriers were advised to check directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
Why it matters
The UAE is one of the Middle East’s largest aviation hubs. The decision illustrates how US secondary sanctions can have effects beyond US territory, because airports, ground handlers, fuel suppliers and other foreign service providers can face exposure when dealing with sanctioned carriers.
The move followed other restrictions affecting Iranian links in the region, including cancellations to Iraq and Oman on September 23.
What to watch
Key questions include the duration of the UAE suspension, whether other countries adopt comparable measures, Tehran’s response and the consequences for international connections available to Iranian travellers.
Context: US sanctions on Iranian aviation
The US Treasury strengthened sanctions targeting Iranian aviation in September. Secondary sanctions do not legally close foreign airspace, but can create financial pressure on companies and service providers that continue certain dealings with sanctioned carriers.
Sources
UAE General Civil Aviation Authority statement of September 24, 2026 carried by WAM; US Department of the Treasury/OFAC; Financial Times; regional aviation reporting.
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