UAE Bans Iranian Airlines as US Sanctions Squeeze Tehran’s Aviation Sector and Cut Regional Air Links

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The United Arab Emirates has suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country, becoming the latest regional government to restrict Iran’s international air links as new US sanctions target its aviation sector.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension on September 24, saying it was introduced in response to US measures preventing Iranian airlines from using airports around the world. The suspension remains in place until further notice.

The decision is significant because Dubai is an important international hub for Iranian travellers, with frequent connections between the UAE and Iran and strong commercial and community ties between the two countries. The restrictions have already resulted in flight cancellations, including an Iran Airtour service from Tehran to Dubai.

The UAE is not alone. Oman, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkmenistan have also restricted or suspended access for Iranian carriers following the latest US measures. A Tehran-Dushanbe flight was reportedly forced to return to Iran after Turkmenistan refused permission for the aircraft to cross its airspace.

Washington significantly expanded its aviation sanctions on September 8, targeting 27 Iranian airlines and other companies accused of supporting Iran’s aviation networks. The US Treasury said the measures were intended to disrupt networks used to transport weapons, personnel and illicit cargo, while warning foreign companies that continue providing services to sanctioned Iranian airlines could face restrictions on access to the US financial system.

The restrictions are already affecting ordinary passengers. Iran’s international flight capacity was about 49 percent lower in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to aviation data cited in recent reporting. With fewer direct flights available, some travellers are being pushed towards more expensive and time-consuming land routes through neighbouring countries.

Iran has protested the growing restrictions and warned neighbouring countries against cooperating with Washington. At the same time, its Civil Aviation Organization says diplomatic and aviation discussions are underway to restore flights to affected destinations. Some connections with China, Armenia and Türkiye remain available, although several routes have also experienced cancellations.

The aviation dispute comes amid the wider US-Iran conflict and Washington’s broader campaign to increase economic pressure on Tehran. For Iran, the loss of regional aviation links could further isolate its airlines and affect tourism, business travel and aviation-related employment, while neighbouring airports and airlines could also face disruptions if the restrictions continue to expand.