1,262 Iranian citizens return home after suspension of direct travel routes

Some 1,262 Iranian citizens have returned to their country following suspension of direct travel routes with Iran, the Iranian Consulate in Dubai said.

The citizens returned to Iran via alternative routes, including flights via Afghanistan and Armenia, the semi-official ISNA reported on Wednesday, citing the consulate.

The consulate said it does not have any dedicated programs for travel by ship or air for the time being.

The consulate's statement comes amid media reports that the UAE has restricted the entry of Iranian nationals. The move was reportedly communicated through notifications by Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Flydubai.