Airlines Suspend and Halt Flights to Iran

By Garth Calitz

As widespread protests gripping Iran entered their third week, several major international airlines have suspended or cancelled flights to and from the Islamic Republic, citing safety concerns, operational challenges and a deteriorating civil situation. The disruptions have affected routes linking Tehran and other Iranian cities with hubs across the Middle East and beyond, leaving travellers facing uncertainty and airlines on alert.

The cancellations began late last week, on 8 January 2026, when protests against escalating economic hardship and political repression spread rapidly across cities including Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad and Tabriz. Demonstrators, driven by anger over rising living costs and a collapsing currency, took to the streets in unprecedented numbers, and the situation was compounded by an extensive internet and communications blackout imposed by Iranian authorities. The blackout significantly disrupted airline operations, making real-time communication and coordination more difficult.

Regional carriers were among the first to announce flight disruptions. flydubai cancelled all flights to Iran on Friday, 9 January, including services between Dubai and Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad and Bandar Abbas, according to data from Dubai Airports. Similar action was taken by Emirates, with flights to Tehran suspended or delayed over the weekend. In Qatar, Qatar Airways also cancelled several flights from Doha to Iranian destinations, although some services reportedly resumed on Monday.

Across the Gulf, disruption was not limited to the UAE carriers. Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) on 9 January cancelled its scheduled flight on the Baku–Tehran–Baku route, citing passenger safety as its top priority. The airline informed travellers that it would provide updated rescheduling information once available.

In Türkiye, the region’s biggest carrier, Turkish Airlines, announced the cancellation of 17 scheduled flights to Tehran, Mashhad and Tabriz on Friday and Saturday, telling passengers that the decision was driven by developments linked to the unrest. Turkish low-cost carriers AJet and Pegasus Airlines also suspended multiple flights to Iranian cities in the same period. At least one Turkish Airlines flight bound for Shiraz and a Pegasus flight en route to Mashhad were diverted and returned to their points of origin, according to flight tracking data.

The cancellation tally was significant: flydubai alone removed nearly 20 flights between Dubai and Iranian cities as protesters continued their nationwide demonstrations. Turkish Airlines’ cancellations across multiple cities contributed to broad regional disruption.

After two days of suspended operations, several airlines attempted to resume normal schedules. On Sunday, 11 January, Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways and some Qatar Airways services departed on schedule to Tehran and other Iranian destinations, according to detailed flight data from UAE airports. Several flydubai services, including flights to Tehran, Shiraz and Mashhad, operated without delay, while some Qatar Airways flights to Mashhad and Shiraz were still cancelled even as other services resumed.

Despite this partial restoration, airlines emphasised that schedules remain subject to rapid change. Aviation analysts warned passengers that routes could be disrupted at short notice if the situation on the ground deteriorates further. Flights might be rerouted through alternative corridors, such as Iraqi airspace, to minimise time over Iranian territory, but the volatile climate presents continuing operational risks.

Airlines typically base decisions to suspend or cancel flights on assessments of airspace safety, security at airports and the ability to communicate effectively with air traffic control and passengers. In this case, the combination of violent protests, an internet blackout and heightened security activity created an environment in which carriers judged the risk too high to maintain normal services.

Beyond immediate disruptions, the larger political context also contributes to uncertainty. The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, have drawn heavy responses from security forces, and international attention has intensified. Foreign governments have expressed concern over the crackdown, raising questions about how long the unrest will continue and what longer-term impacts it may have on travel and commerce.

For travellers planning to visit or transit through Iran, the current climate calls for caution. Even as some flights resume, the potential for sudden cancellations or rerouting remains high. Airlines typically update passengers through direct notifications, but the communications blackout within Iran complicates information flow. Passengers with upcoming travel to Iranian cities are advised to check flight status frequently, review their airline’s travel advisories, and explore alternative routes or flexible bookings where possible.

In sum, the sweeping cancellations reflect how swiftly civil unrest can ripple through global transportation networks. While carriers work to restore services amid ongoing protests, travellers should remain prepared for further disruptions as events unfold in Iran.