UAE bars Iranian airlines as US sanctions squeeze Iran’s aviation sector

U.S. sanctions announced this week have forced the grounding of up to 90% of Iran’s international flights, according to a report from IranWire. At the same time, Reuters notes that three airports in Iraq will suspend all Iranian flights starting Friday, citing unnamed sources and state media statements. The dual actions curtail both long‑haul and regional services that Iranian carriers normally operate.

Both outlets rely on official statements and unnamed sources to substantiate the developments. Historically, Iran’s airlines have depended on overflight rights and regional airports to sustain passenger and cargo traffic, especially given limited access to Western aircraft. The recent grounding therefore threatens a critical conduit for trade, tourism, and diaspora travel that has already faced periodic disruptions.

Observers will watch for additional airport decisions in neighboring states, potential diplomatic responses from Tehran, and any clarification from U.S. authorities about the scope of the sanctions. Further statements from Iraqi civil aviation officials, as well as updates from Iranian airlines on schedule adjustments, will indicate whether the current suspensions expand or are mitigated in the coming days.