January 9, 2026 | News | SUNTV Global Channel
At least 17 flights scheduled between Dubai and several Iranian cities were cancelled on Friday as nationwide protests and a sweeping internet blackout intensified across Iran, causing growing disruption to regional air travel.
Checks on the Dubai Airports website showed that multiple Flydubai outbound and inbound flights to Iran—including routes to Tehran, Shiraz and Mashhad—were abruptly called off, leaving many passengers stranded and raising concerns about further cancellations.
The disruption comes amid a near-total internet shutdown across Iran, which began on Thursday and extended into Friday. Authorities are believed to have imposed the blackout to restrict information flow as protests spread nationwide.
Iran has witnessed widespread demonstrations since late December, driven by worsening economic conditions, soaring inflation and mounting hardship for ordinary citizens. The protests have expanded to several major cities, prompting a forceful response from security agencies.
Confirming the cancellations, a Flydubai spokesperson said all flights to Iran scheduled for Friday had been cancelled, adding that the airline would “continue to monitor the situation” and make adjustments as necessary. The airline, however, did not specify the exact reason for the cancellations.
The flight disruptions were not limited to Dubai. Reports from Turkish media indicated that Turkish Airlines cancelled at least 17 flights to Iranian destinations, while Ajet reportedly cancelled six. Budget carrier Pegasus Airlines was also said to have suspended several Iran-bound flights.
In addition, at least two flights between Doha, Qatar, and Tehran were cancelled on Friday, according to information published on the Hamad International Airport website.
As unrest continues and communication remains restricted inside Iran, aviation analysts warn that further flight disruptions across the region may follow in the coming days.
