At Least 42 Gulf-Iran Flights Cancelled amidst Unrest

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Dubai: At least 42 flights between Gulf countries and Iranian cities were cancelled on Friday as unrest continued across Iran, according to airport and airline data.

Dubai Airports’ website showed that flydubai cancelled at least 17 scheduled services between Dubai and several Iranian destinations, including Tehran, Shiraz and Mashhad. No official reason was provided for the cancellations.

The flight disruptions coincided with a nationwide internet blackout in Iran that began on Thursday and continued into Friday, following intensifying anti-government protests that have spread to multiple cities since late December.

The demonstrations, driven by worsening economic conditions and high inflation, have drawn a strong response from authorities, including communication restrictions. Regional observers said the unrest has also affected transport and travel.

Turkish media reported that Turkish Airlines cancelled 17 flights to and from Iran on Friday, while domestic carrier AJet cancelled six flights. Budget airline Pegasus Airlines also suspended several scheduled services.

In Qatar, Hamad International Airport indicated that at least two flights between Doha and Tehran were cancelled. Airport officials did not specify the reason, though aviation analysts linked the disruptions to uncertainty over the situation in Iran.

Air travel between Iran and neighbouring Gulf states plays a key role in business and regional connectivity, particularly following gradual diplomatic improvements since 2023. However, the latest wave of unrest has raised fresh concerns over safety and operational stability, prompting airlines to take precautionary measures.