Lufthansa Extends Tehran Route Closure: When Will Flights Finally Resume?

January 13, 2026 at 12:51 PM•2 min read

Lufthansa has extended its Tehran flight suspension until January 28, citing the current situation and prioritizing passenger and crew safety amid regional uncertainty.

Key Points

1Lufthansa extended its Tehran flight suspension until January 28, 2026, citing the current situation and security concerns.
2The decision follows a seven-month hiatus and is driven by operational risk due to widespread protests and a security crackdown in Iran.
3The suspension impacts Europe-Iran air connectivity, affecting passenger and cargo movements, with other international airlines also adjusting operations.

German flag carrier Lufthansa has again postponed the resumption of its flights to Tehran, Iran. The airline announced the decision on Monday afternoon. Services to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) are now suspended until Wednesday, January 28. This move follows an initial suspension lasting about seven months.

Lufthansa had previously planned to restart services this Friday. The extension is a direct response to the current situation in Iran. A spokesperson confirmed that the safety of passengers and crew remains the airline’s top priority. The company will continue monitoring developments closely and review its decision if conditions change.

Operational Risk and Regional Stability

The decision reflects broader concerns about commercial aviation operational risk in the region. Iran has been gripped by widespread protests for over two weeks. These demonstrations place increased pressure on the country’s leadership. Authorities have responded with a heavy security crackdown. Access to the internet has also been restricted since Thursday evening, according to reports.

Such instability creates significant challenges for international carriers. Operational certainty is difficult to maintain amidst civil unrest and communication blackouts.

Broader Industry Impact

Lufthansa is not alone in adjusting its international airlines Iran operations. Several major European and Gulf carriers have recently suspended or cancelled flights to Tehran.

Austrian Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, also halted its Vienna-Tehran service.
Gulf carriers like Emirates and flydubai temporarily suspended services to multiple Iranian cities.
Turkish Airlines and its affiliates likewise cancelled several routes.

These actions highlight how quickly geopolitical events airline routes can be affected. Decisions are driven by risk evaluations, not commercial factors. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) promotes global standards for operational safety. Airlines must adhere to the highest standards when assessing regional stability and safety.

Flight suspensions severely impact Europe-Iran air connectivity. This disruption affects business travel and tourism impact. It also hinders the movement of cargo between Europe and Asia. Travelers are advised to check the status of their flights with their respective carriers. For more updates on this and other commercial aviation news, visit the flying.flights website.