UAE Air Carrier Emirates Bars Iranian Nationals From Entry, Transit Amid Regional Tensions

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DUBAI 1 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – Dubai‑based airline Emirates has updated its travel policies to announce that Iranian nationals are currently not permitted to enter or transit through the United Arab Emirates, a move reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

According to the airline’s official notice on its website, this travel restriction applies broadly to holders of Iranian passports, though it does not detail the specific reasons for the change in policy. The decision aligns with similar guidance issued by other UAE carriers amid evolving security concerns.

Flydubai, another major airline based in the UAE, clarified that certain Iranian travellers remain exempt from the ban, including those holding long‑term UAE “Golden Visas,” which allow them to enter and transit the country under existing residency privileges.

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The updated travel directive signifies a significant tightening of entry requirements at a time when diplomatic relations between Iran and the UAE have deteriorated sharply following a period of sustained missile and drone attacks in the region, which led to the closure of the UAE’s diplomatic mission in Tehran.

Affected individuals and international passengers have been urged to check with airlines and official government travel advisories before planning journeys involving UAE hubs such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, particularly given the broader disruptions to air travel linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.-The Capital Post