Airlines cancel flights to Iran as protests and violence spread out

Major international airlines have canceled dozens of flights to and from Iran since Friday, January 9, 2026 as widespread protests disrupt operations across the country, raising safety and logistical concerns for carriers and passengers alike.

The demonstrations began in late December. They were initially triggered by Iran’s deepening economic crisis, marked by the sharp devaluation of the rial and a surge in living costs. They have since evolved into a broader nationwide movement. In response, authorities have imposed extensive internet outages and communication blackouts in several regions, complicating flight coordination, passenger communications and airport operations.

Flights’ disruption likely to continue on January 10 and 11

Many carriers have since canceled or delayed flights. The situation is likely to remain volatile this week end (January 10 and 11, 2026).

Turkish Airlines, announced on Friday that it had canceled 17 scheduled flights to Iranian cities including Tehran, Tabriz and Mashhad for Friday and Saturday, citing regional developments. Passengers were advised to check the airline’s website for updated flight information. Turkish low-cost carrier AJet and Pegasus also canceled all their flights to Iran over the same two-day period.

Disruptions have extended across the Gulf. Data from Dubai Airports shows that multiple flights operated by Emirates and flydubai to Tehran were suspended on Friday. Services to other Iranian cities — including Bandar Abbas, Lar, Mashhad and Shiraz — were also canceled. On Saturday’s, Dubai airport shows a partial resumption of services. However, some regional flights such as Dubai-Isfahan or Dubai-Shiraz remain suspended.

A flydubai spokesperson declared on Friday to the local newspaper The National. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and revise our flight schedule accordingly.” In Abu Dhabi, national carrier Etihad Airways announced to have suspended all its flights to Iran until January 13, 2026.

In Qatar, flights from Hamad International Airport in Doha to Iran were canceled on Friday. Airport’s authorities originally indicated that flights to Iran could resume on Saturday. However, Hamad International Airport schedules for January 10 show that all flights to Teheran from Qatar Airways have been cancelled.

Azerbaijan Airlines also confirmed the cancellation of a Friday flight from Baku to Tehran. In a statement, the carrier said passenger and flight safety remains its top priority and that further updates on the resumption of services will be communicated directly to travelers.

However, Iranian airlines including Iran Air, Mahan Air and Qeshm Air are continuing to operate flights as scheduled.

The government’s “digital blackout” have further disrupted information flows for passengers and airlines, intensifying uncertainty around flight schedules and forcing some carriers to reassess their services.

As protests enter their third week, airlines operating in the region continue to reassess their services, considering safety issues amid an increasingly volatile situation. Agents and passengers are requested to consult airlines before to go to the airport for their flights.