Majid Akhavan

Stories

US sanctions prompt Iranian airlines to suspend flights to five destinations

Negotiating alternative routes

A one-month US license that let Iranian airlines fly to Iraq's Najaf, capped at 40 flights a day and excluding Mahan Air, expired on October 28. No renewal had been announced as of November 4, and most of Iran's other foreign routes remain shut.

Updated Nov 1

UAE suspends Iranian airline flights under new US sanctions

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Pursuing diplomatic talks to restore flights

On Thursday, the UAE suspended all flights by Iranian airlines to and from the country. The decision closes Dubai — the Gulf's biggest travel hub, with multiple daily Iran flights and a large Iranian community — to Iranian carriers.

Updated Sep 25

Notable Quotes

Baghdad's airport stopped accepting Iranian flights early Wednesday and the airport in Muscat was not accepting Iranian passengers.

from US sanctions prompt Iranian airlines to suspend flights to five destinations · Updated Nov 1

Diplomatic and aviation talks are under way to remove the restrictions and restore flights.

from UAE suspends Iranian airline flights under new US sanctions · Updated Sep 25