Widespread Iran Protests Force Flydubai, Turkish Airlines to Cancel Flights.

Major carriers suspended international flight operations to Iran on Friday, January 9, 2026. This air travel disruption Iran was caused by widespread civil unrest. The Flydubai schedule disruption affected routes from Dubai to several Iranian cities. The airline cancelled at least 17 flights scheduled for Friday. These cancelled Dubai-Tehran flights also included services to Shiraz and Mashhad, according to the Dubai Airports website.

Flydubai confirmed the Iran flight cancellations for the day. A spokesperson said the airline is monitoring the situation closely. They will revise the flight schedule as needed.

Regional Carriers Halt Services

The disruption extended well beyond the UAE. Turkish Airlines cancellations were also widespread. Turkish media reported the flag carrier cancelled 17 flights. These services were bound for Tehran, Tabriz, and Mashhad.

Turkey’s AJet cancelled six flights to the region. Budget carrier Pegasus Airlines also suspended flights. The cancellations show the impact of the Iranian cities protest on Middle East air travel.

Two flights between Doha and Tehran were also cancelled. This information was shown on the Hamad International Airport website.

In contrast, Iranian national carriers continued their normal schedules. This included Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Qeshm Air.

Operational Challenges and Internet Blackout

The flight suspensions coincide with escalating protests. Nationwide demonstrations over economic hardship began in late December. Authorities responded by enforcing a countrywide internet blackout. This began on Thursday and continued into Friday.

This digital blackout presents significant operational hurdles for foreign airlines. Stable communication is vital for international flight operations. The blackout affects crew coordination and passenger handling. It also complicates emergency protocols.

Airline safety is the top priority in these situations. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets global safety standards. Carriers like Flydubai and Emirates often adopt a "safety-first" stance. This is especially true when facing regional instability. The situation highlights the challenges of operating in areas with civil unrest. Passengers are advised to check their flight status. Airport data suggested operations might resume on Saturday.

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