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UAE Airlines Ban Iranian Nationals Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

UAE airlines Emirates and flydubai have announced a ban on Iranian nationals from entering or transiting the country, with an exemption for Golden Visa holders. The move follows regional tensions, including a recent incident where UAE air defences intercepted numerous ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for targeting industrial facilities in the UAE and Bahrain, alleging links to US military industries. The UAE Ministry of Defence reported casualties from the attacks and affirmed its readiness to confront any threats to state security.

Key Points: UAE Airlines Ban Iranian Passengers Amid Regional Conflict

  • UAE airlines ban Iranian entry/transit
  • Golden Visa holders exempt
  • UAE intercepted Iranian missiles & drones
  • IRGC claims strikes on industrial targets
2 min read

UAE airlines bar Iranian nationals from entry, transit amid West Asia Conflict

Emirates and flydubai bar Iranian nationals from entry and transit as UAE intercepts Iranian missiles and drones. Golden Visa holders exempt.

"The UAE air defences engaged 16 ballistic missiles and 42 UAVs launched from Iran. - UAE Ministry of Defence"

Dubai, April 1

The United Arab Emirates airlines, including flydubai and Emirates, on Wednesday, through their websites, announced that Iranian nationals are not permitted to enter or transit the country, as reported by Xinhua.

However, the announcement made on the flydubai website said that Iranian nationals holding a UAE "Golden Visa" are exempt from the restriction, as reported by Xinhua.

The restriction comes amid the growing regional tensions in West Asia, where the UAE has also been targeted by Iran.

Earlier on Sunday, the United Arab Emirates said that its air defence systems successfully intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 unmanned aerial vehicles, launched from Iran.

According to an official statement shared by the UAE Ministry of Defence, "The UAE air defences engaged 16 ballistic missiles and 42 UAVs launched from Iran."

Providing a broader operational update, the Ministry stated, "Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1914 UAVs."

The Ministry confirmed, "The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of two armed forces members while performing their national duty, along with a civilian contractor, and 8 fatalities."

In addition to the casualties, a total of 178 people were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe.

The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats, and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine State security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in a statement, claimed responsibility for targeting key industrial facilities in the region, including aluminium plants in the UAE and Bahrain, as reported by Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

In the statement, the IRGC said its Aerospace and Naval forces carried out a "combined and targeted operation" using missiles and drones against what it described as industries linked to the US military and aerospace sector.

The targets named included the Emirates Global Aluminium (EMAL) facility in the United Arab Emirates and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) in Bahrain.

The IRGC alleged that these facilities are connected to American defence production, claiming they play a role in supporting US military industries, and further stated that the strikes were conducted in response to what it described as attacks by "American-Zionist" forces on Iran's industrial infrastructure.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The numbers are staggering - 414 missiles intercepted! 😳 UAE's defence seems robust, but the loss of life is tragic. This conflict is destabilizing the entire region. India has strong ties with both nations; we must continue our diplomatic efforts for de-escalation. Jai Hind.
A
Aman W
While I understand the security concerns, banning an entire nationality from transit feels extreme. Many ordinary Iranians are just trying to live their lives. The Golden Visa exception proves the rule is about wealth, not just security. A more nuanced approach would be better.
S
Sarah B
Working in Dubai, the atmosphere has been tense. The news of intercepts is on everyone's mind. This travel ban will disrupt many families and business connections across the Gulf. Hope peace prevails soon for the sake of all the hardworking people from India and elsewhere in the region.
V
Vikram M
The IRGC's justification for targeting industrial plants is flimsy. This is pure aggression. India's interest lies in a stable West Asia for our energy security and the 9 million Indians working there. We must stand with nations upholding sovereignty.
K
Kavya N
Very sad to read about the casualties, including the civilian contractor. My heart goes out to all the families. These geopolitical games have real human costs. As an Indian, I'm grateful for our relative stability and pray for wisdom among the leaders involved.

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