Airlines from UAE, Turkey & Qatar cancel flights to Iran amid protests & an internet blackout. Flydubai, Turkish Airlines halt services while Iranian carriers operate normally.
Flydubai, Turkish Airlines cancel flights to Iran amid protests and internet blackout (Image: File)
Major airlines from the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey cancelled many flights to Iran on Friday, citing operational issues as nationwide protests grew and an internet blackout cut communication. The disruptions show how internal unrest is isolating the country and affecting regional travel.
Airlines suspended a significant portion of their Iran schedules. Flydubai cancelled all 17 of its Friday flights from Dubai to Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad. In Qatar, at least two Doha-Tehran flights were cancelled. Turkish Airlines reportedly cancelled 17 flights, with AJet cancelling six and Pegasus Airlines also suspending services. Iranian carriers like Iran Air and Mahan Air continued operating normally.
The cancellations coincide with a severe internet and mobile data blackout enforced by Iranian authorities, which began Thursday to control protests. This blackout creates serious operational hurdles for foreign airlines, which depend on stable communication for security, crew coordination, and passenger handling. The moves reflect patterns seen during earlier unrest, where airlines paused flights citing safety and logistical disruptions.
Protests driven by worsening economic conditions have continued since late December. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 50 people killed in related violence. State television has aired images of burned vehicles and fires at metro stations and banks. Iranian authorities blame the exiled opposition group MKO, or People’s Mujahedin Organisation, for orchestrating the unrest.
Airlines are adopting a cautious, day-by-day approach. A flydubai spokesperson said the airline cancelled all Friday flights and would “continue to monitor the situation” before revising schedules. Hamad International Airport in Doha showed services resuming Saturday. Industry sources indicated they are watching closely and will adjust schedules based on security and operational clarity.
Passengers on foreign airlines affected face immediate disruption and uncertainty. Isolation from the internet blackout makes rebooking and communication with travellers inside Iran extremely difficult. Those planning travel to Iran should confirm their flight status directly with their airline, as schedules remain fluid. The situation shows the wider regional impact of Iran's internal instability across the region.
A: On Friday, several flights to Iranian cities were canceled by Flydubai, Turkish Airlines, AJet, Pegasus Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
A: Although not formally announced, the cancellations coincide with fierce demonstrations and a countrywide internet outage in Iran, interfering with airline operations and security procedures.
A: Yes. Iranian airlines such as Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Qeshm Air have kept up their regular schedules.
A: The country's deteriorating economic situation is the main cause of the protests, which started in late December.
