January 9, 2026 l Reporter: Johnson
TEHRAN/DUBAI — At least 17 flights scheduled between Dubai and Iranian cities were cancelled Friday amid widespread protests and civil unrest in Iran, aviation sources and international reports confirm, as authorities struggle to contain escalating demonstrations across the country.
According to flight data published on the Dubai Airports website, the cancellations affected services operated by flydubai between Dubai and major Iranian destinations including Tehran, Shiraz and Mashhad. The carrier said it is monitoring the situation closely and will adjust schedules “accordingly,” though it did not publicly specify the exact reasons for grounding the flights.
Regional carriers also reported disruptions: Turkish Airlines cancelled 17 flights to Iranian cities, while Turkey’s low-cost carrier AJet and Pegasus Airlines scrapped additional services, reflecting broader aviation challenges tied to the unrest. At least two flights between Doha and Tehran were also called off, according to airport schedules.
The flight cancellations coincide with a countrywide internet blackout in Iran, imposed by authorities in a bid to curb the spread of images and information about protests that began in late December 2025 over economic hardship and political grievances. Observers say the communications shutdown has complicated travel logistics and raised safety concerns for international airlines operating in and out of Iranian airspace.
The unrest, which has spread to multiple cities including Tehran, Shiraz and Kermanshah, has drawn thousands of demonstrators onto the streets chanting against economic conditions, inflation and government policies despite severe restrictions and intermittent internet access.
Airlines affected by the disruptions advised passengers to check updated flight statuses with carriers and to contact them about rebooking or refunds as schedules continue to evolve amid the uncertain situation in the region.