Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country, adding another major restriction to Iran’s international aviation links amid expanding US sanctions against Tehran’s aviation sector.

The UAE’s aviation authorities announced that the suspension would remain in effect until further notice. The decision affects flights operated by Iranian carriers and represents a significant development for air connectivity between the UAE and Iran.

The move comes as Washington increases economic pressure on Iran through a new round of sanctions targeting the country’s aviation industry. The US measures are aimed at restricting Iranian airlines and companies that provide services to them.

The UAE has cited the American sanctions as the basis for its decision. The latest development means Iranian carriers now face additional difficulties maintaining international routes as more countries impose restrictions on their operations.

The UAE is an important destination for Iranian airlines because of its geographical proximity, extensive commercial links and large Iranian community. Dubai in particular has traditionally served as a major connection point between Iran and the wider international travel network.

The suspension could therefore affect passengers, businesses and other travellers who regularly depend on direct air services between the two countries.

Iranian aviation officials have indicated that diplomatic and aviation discussions are underway in an effort to resolve the restrictions and restore flights. However, no immediate timetable for resuming normal services has been announced.

The latest decision follows similar restrictions involving Iranian airlines in several other countries. The expanding measures are creating increasing pressure on Iran’s ability to maintain international air connections.

Washington has warned aviation companies and airports that continuing to provide certain services to sanctioned Iranian carriers could expose them to financial penalties. This has created additional complications for companies providing fuel, ground handling, ticketing and other aviation services.

Iran has strongly opposed the expanding restrictions and has sought to maintain its international aviation network despite the growing pressure.

The dispute has also created wider concerns for passengers. Travellers who would normally use direct Iranian airline services may now have to consider alternative routes through countries where Iranian carriers can still operate.

The situation could also place additional pressure on Iran’s aviation industry, which has already faced years of restrictions affecting access to aircraft, spare parts, financing and international aviation services.

For the UAE, the decision represents a significant adjustment in its aviation relationship with Iran. The two countries maintain important commercial and economic connections, but regional tensions and international sanctions have increasingly complicated those ties.

The suspension also highlights how US sanctions can affect aviation networks beyond American territory by putting pressure on foreign companies and airports that maintain commercial relationships with sanctioned carriers.

Whether Iranian flights will resume will depend on developments in diplomatic negotiations and the broader dispute between Tehran and Washington.

For now, the UAE restriction adds another obstacle to Iran’s international air connectivity and places further uncertainty over future passenger and commercial flights between the two countries.