Saudi Arabia bans Iranian airline

The Saudi Arabian authorities have banned Iran’s Mahan Air from using its airports and air space.

The country’s general authority of civil aviation issued the order in a statement issued on Monday, saying the decision was taken over systematic violations of safety regulations and laws.

On Tuesday, Ebrahim Moradi, an official of Iran-based Tasnim news agency, said Iranian airlines currently have no flights to Saudi Arabia and would use different routes to fly to Africa.

Tensions between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran remain high after the kingdom executed Shiite cleric Nimr Al Nimr in January.

Saudi Arabia severed all air links with Iran after the two countries cut diplomatic ties as a result of the execution.

It is not clear when the violations referred to by the Saudi aviation authority were committed.