Two more countries have banned Iranian planes
Two More Countries Impose Ban on Iranian Aircraft
The United Arab Emirates and Iraq have suspended flights by Iranian airlines. These measures were adopted as part of joining US sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran amid the war in the Middle East.
UAE suspended flights and tightened economic restrictions
The General Civil Aviation Authority announced that all flights to and from the UAE by Iranian airlines have been suspended. This restriction came into effect on September 24. According to a statement released by the UAE's official WAM news agency, the decision was based on US sanctions prohibiting Iranian airlines from using world airports.
The city of Dubai is an important destination for Iranian carriers. A large Iranian community lives here, and numerous flights are operated daily. In addition, Dubai Airport serves as a transit hub for Iranian passengers to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Due to the cancellation of flights, an Iran AirTour flight scheduled to fly from Tehran to Dubai on the morning of September 24 was cancelled in the capital.
The UAE was attacked by Iranian missiles and drones during the initial phase of the Middle East war that began in February. In August, the Emirates suspended trade and financial exchanges with Iran. On September 23, the Central Bank of the UAE blocked all transfers made through branches of Iran's Bank Melli, accusing it of violating laws against money laundering, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons.
The airport in the Iraqi city of Najaf, considered holy for Shiites, suspended all Iranian flights starting September 25. Airport director Hussein Muhanna told AFP that the decision was made in accordance with instructions from the Prime Minister's office to the Governor of Najaf. The restriction took effect at 02:00 on September 25.
Other sources told Reuters that the airports of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan would also suspend flights with Iran starting September 25.
Najaf Airport is a major travel hub for Iranian and Iraqi pilgrims, Iraqi students studying in Iran, and patients undergoing medical treatment. Relations between Iraq and Iran are very deeply rooted religiously and politically.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that starting September 23, foreign airports and companies would face restrictions and be cut off from the dollar-based settlement system if they serviced Iranian aviation. Following this, neighboring countries began introducing restrictions, and Iran's major airlines were forced to cancel international flights.
On September 24, Turkmenistan also joined the restrictions. Majid Akhavan, a representative of the Iran Civil Aviation Organization, told the ISNA agency that a plane flying from Tehran to Dushanbe was turned back because Ashgabat did not grant permission. Azerbaijan has also closed its airspace to Iranian airlines.
Despite the sanctions, some small Iranian airlines continue flights abroad, particularly to China, which does not submit to US pressure, and to Armenia. There are about 30 airlines in Iran, most of which serve domestic flights. On international routes, the largest carriers are the state-owned Iran Air and the private Mahan Air.
Meanwhile, Iran is threatening to disable the airports of neighboring countries.
"If you ban our flights and start cooperating with the US, your airports will not be able to operate other flights. If you are on the side of the US, we will not see you again," said Rezaee.
He said US President Donald Trump might want to attack Iran's nuclear facilities or facilities located in the country's mountains.
"Our armed forces are ready for retaliatory actions," emphasized the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.