Several international airlines have suspended or cancelled flights to and from Iran as nationwide anti-government protests enter their third week, compounded by a near-total internet blackout and heightened security concerns.
The unrest, which began on December 28 over economic hardship, has continued despite a heavy security crackdown. Human rights groups estimate that between 45 and 100 people have been killed so far, including minors. Authorities imposed wide-ranging mobile and internet restrictions from January 8, limiting communications across the country.
UAE-based carriers have been among those affected. Flydubai cancelled all scheduled services to Iranian cities on January 9, including flights to Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad and Bandar Abbas. Emirates suspended multiple services to Tehran and other destinations, while Etihad Airways also halted flights to Iran.
Qatar Airways cancelled services between Doha and Tehran, and Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus Airlines suspended or cancelled dozens of flights to Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Isfahan and Shiraz. Austrian Airlines cancelled its Vienna–Tehran service and Lufthansa is reviewing plans to resume flights later this month.
Austrian Airlines cancelled its January 9 service between Vienna and Tehran and said it is monitoring the situation. Lufthansa, which had earlier suspended its Tehran route due to regional security concerns, had planned to resume flights on January 16, but that schedule is now under renewed uncertainty.
Iranian domestic carriers continue to operate inside the country. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has issued airspace restrictions near sensitive areas, and several governments have warned airlines of heightened risks. A series of active Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) issued recently indicated increased defensive measures across multiple parts of the country.
