Flight Disruptions from Turkey and Dubai Due to Rising Tensions in Iran
In a significant development reflecting escalating tensions in Iran, numerous flights between Iran and Turkey as well as the United Arab Emirates were canceled on Friday, January 9, 2026. This disruption is attributed to the expansion of protests and deteriorating security and living conditions.
Turkish Airlines announced the cancellation of all five scheduled flights between Istanbul and Tehran, as reported by the Istanbul airport app.
Additionally, departure boards indicated the cancellation of five more flights operated by Iranian airlines on the same route, while seven other flights remain listed on the schedule for now.
Moreover, Iranian passengers reported via the platform "X" that flights already en route to Iran turned back mid-flight. According to data from the flight tracking app "Flight Radar", a Turkish Airlines aircraft heading to Shiraz and another from low-cost carrier "Pegasus" bound for Mashhad both returned to Istanbul overnight.
In a related situation, Dubai airports announced the cancellation of six flights scheduled for Friday to Iran, without providing further details on the duration of these cancellations or the status of upcoming flights.
So far, Turkish authorities have not issued any official comment regarding the reasons for the cancellations, as Iran experiences its thirteenth consecutive day of increasing protests. These demonstrations have been triggered by worsening living conditions, currency devaluation, and rising costs of living.
According to reports from Reuters, a complete internet blackout has been recorded in Iran, while security forces have deployed tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters in various cities. Opposition calls from abroad for further protests and strikes continue.
The roots of these protests date back to December 28, when merchants in Tehran's bazaar initiated a strike in response to the declining exchange rate and purchasing power amid U.S. and international sanctions. The unrest quickly spread, particularly in western Iran, where large populations of Kurdish and Lor minorities have gathered, according to Agence France-Presse.
It is important to note that Turkey and Iran share a land border of approximately 500 kilometers, with three crossing points between the two nations, heightening the sensitivity of any security or political developments between them.
As unrest continues, the situation remains fluid, with potential for further flight cancellations and disruptions, raising growing concerns among travelers and airlines.
