UAE suspends Iranian airline flights, joins countries enforcing US sanctions

US chokes Iranian airways

The United Arab Emirates has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines, becoming the latest country to restrict Tehran’s air links following sweeping US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector.The UAE’s general civil aviation authority announced the decision on Thursday, with state news agency WAM saying all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country had been suspended.The authority said the move was based on US sanctions imposed on Iranian airlines, which prevent them from using airports around the world, as per Al Jazeera report.

UAE joins growing list of countries restricting Iranian flights

The UAE has joined Oman, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkmenistan in restricting or suspending access for Iranian airlines following the new US sanctions.Dubai is a major destination for Iranian carriers, with several daily flights between the two countries, while the UAE is also home to a large Iranian community and has close commercial ties with Iran.An Iran Airtour flight from Tehran to Dubai was cancelled shortly before its scheduled departure on Thursday morning, despite tickets having already been issued, according to AFP.

US sanctions target Iran's aviation sector

The US Treasury earlier this month imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran's aviation sector, targeting 27 airlines and dozens of companies accused of supporting them.

Washington's measures are aimed at cutting off Iran's international air links. The US has warned that airports and companies continuing to service sanctioned Iranian carriers could risk losing access to the US dollar financial system.Iran has criticised the restrictions and is seeking to restore suspended routes through diplomatic and aviation talks.Iran's civil aviation organization spokesman Majid Akhavan said negotiations were under way to remove the restrictions and resume flights to the UAE.