Emirates, Etihad and flydubai block some Iranians from entering or transiting the UAE
April 2, 2026
Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, reports suggest that Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai have updated travel rules affecting Iranian nationals travelling to or through the UAE.
Several news platforms, including Reuters and Bloomberg, reported that the three airlines have issued advisories stating that some Iranian nationals are not permitted to enter or transit through the UAE. Exemptions apply to long-term ‘Golden Visa’ holders.
According to Expat Media, Emirates stated that “additional exemptions apply to certain UAE residents of Iranian nationality. These include spouses of Emirati nationals, children of Emirati mothers, and selected professionals, such as doctors, engineers, athletes, investors, senior executives and traders.
Although the policy has not been announced publicly, and neither the UAE government nor the GCAA has issued a statement, the advisory is believed to have been circulated internally to the three carriers.
Aviation World Group posted the directive from flydubai, which it said takes immediate effect and applies broadly to all Iranian citizens, including those holding valid UAE residency visas across all categories, as well as holders of UAE visit and tourist visas.
🚨 عاجل
— عشاق عالم الطيران (@AviationWG) March 31, 2026
منع الإيرانيين من دخول الإمارات أو العبور (ترانزيت) عبر مطاراتها..
القرار الذي أصدرته دولة الإمارات يشمل جميع الإيرانيين حاملي تأشيرات الإقامة والزيارة.
يستثني القرار من لديه أقارب إماراتيين من الدرجة الأولى، بشرط أخذ موافقة مسبقة.
كما تم استثناء بعض المهن وحاملي… pic.twitter.com/mSBSiqLbLk
The note also stated that Iranian nationals currently outside the UAE, including UAE residents, will be denied entry. This will be reflected through the official application responses.
The UAE has suffered repeated strikes from Iranian missiles since Israel and the US struck Tehran on 28 February. The Gulf state is home to an estimated 500,000 Iranian expats and is a key trading partner to Tehran.
Affected passengers are advised to review the latest travel requirements and check with their airlines for the most up-to-date information before making flight arrangements.
Featured image: Nigel Harris / stock.adobe.com
