UAE Suspends All Iranian Airline Flights: September 24, 2026 Update

On September 24, 2026, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE, effective immediately. The suspension covers every Iranian carrier — including Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour and Qeshm Air — applies at all UAE airports, and comes with no announced end date. In a reported retaliation, Iran has banned UAE-registered aircraft from its airspace, though Tehran’s civil aviation authority has not formally confirmed this.

Passenger airplanes at Dubai International Airport at sunset amid UAE suspension of Iranian airline flights

Why the UAE Suspended Iranian Airline Flights

According to Al Arabiya’s reporting, the UAE authorities pointed to US sanctions imposed on Iranian airlines that prevent them from using airports worldwide. The US Treasury sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines and 36 related entities on September 8, 2026, which the UAE has cited as the basis for its move.

The suspension is effective immediately and applies to all flights operated by Iranian airlines — not just passenger services. As Gulf News reported on September 25, the move has left Iranian passengers stranded and disrupted a key transit corridor, since Dubai serves as a major hub for Iranian travelers.

Which UAE Airports Are Affected by the Iranian Flights Suspension

The GCAA suspension applies at every airport in the country. Key affected airports include:

  • Dubai International (DXB) — the region’s busiest hub; see our Dubai International Airport guide for current terminal information.
  • Abu Dhabi Zayed International (AUH)
  • Sharjah (SHJ)
  • All other UAE airports

Iran’s Reported Retaliation: Airspace Ban on UAE Aircraft

Multiple outlets have reported that Iran responded with an airspace ban on UAE-registered aircraft — a move that would affect Emirates, Etihad and flydubai. However, Iran’s civil aviation authority has not formally confirmed the ban, so this should be treated as reported rather than confirmed. Travelers should expect possible reroutes on corridors that cross Iranian airspace.

There are already signs of operational impact: according to FlightRadar24 data cited in reports, flydubai’s Russia routes to Baku, Moscow and St Petersburg have been rerouted over Iraq and Turkey. This comes amid a broader US EASA conflict-zone bulletin warning airlines about regional airspace risks.

What Travelers Need to Do After the UAE–Iran Flights Suspension

If you have a booking involving Iran and the UAE, or you fly routes that pass through Iranian airspace:

  • Contact your airline before heading to the airport — schedules are changing quickly.
  • Expect longer flight times on rerouted services, particularly on Russia and Caucasus routes now flying over Iraq and Turkey.
  • Check rebooking and refund options if your Iranian-carrier flight has been cancelled.
  • Reconfirm transit plans — Dubai is a major transit hub for Iranian travelers, so connections may need to change. Our guide to essential services to book in Dubai in 2026 can help you arrange support on the ground if your itinerary shifts.

Travelers with flexible plans can also check the best time to visit Dubai and places to visit in Dubai while reworking their schedules.

UAE–Iran Flights Suspension: Frequently Asked Questions

Which Iranian airlines are suspended from flying to the UAE?

All of them. The GCAA suspension covers every Iranian carrier, including Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour and Qeshm Air, with immediate effect at all UAE airports.

When will the suspension of Iranian airline flights end?

No end date has been announced. The UAE has not indicated how long the suspension will remain in place.

Did Iran ban UAE aircraft from its airspace in retaliation?

An airspace ban on UAE-registered aircraft has been reported by multiple outlets, which would affect Emirates, Etihad and flydubai. However, it has not been formally confirmed by Iran’s civil aviation authority, so treat it as reported, not confirmed.

I’m transiting through Dubai to or from Iran — what should I do?

Contact your airline immediately to confirm your flight’s status. Since Dubai is a major transit hub for Iranian travelers, expect rebookings, possible reroutes and longer journey times, and check your refund or rebooking options if your flight is cancelled.

Are flydubai’s Russia flights affected?

Indirectly. FlightRadar24 data shows flydubai’s Baku, Moscow and St Petersburg routes have been rerouted over Iraq and Turkey, likely adding flight time. Check with the airline for your specific flight.