A widespread internet blackout imposed by authorities in Iran has triggered significant travel disruption, leading to the cancellation of at least 20 flights to and from the country on Friday, 9 January 2026.
Blackout and Unrest Ground Flights
The severe disruption follows a government-ordered nationwide internet shutdown reported on Thursday, 8 January. The blackout is an attempt to curb mass protests that have seen buildings and vehicles set ablaze in Tehran and several other cities. The unrest, initially sparked by economic grievances at the end of December, has rapidly spread to universities and provincial towns.
In a televised address, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to yield, accusing demonstrators of acting on behalf of foreign opposition groups and the United States. Rights groups have reported instances of police firing on protesters in the south of the country.
Airlines Scramble to Adjust Schedules
The communications blackout and civil instability have forced major airlines to cancel services. A spokesperson for flydubai confirmed that its Friday flights to Iranian cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad, were cancelled. The airline stated it "will continue to monitor the situation" and adjust its schedule accordingly, though it did not specify a reason for the cancellations.
Further cancellations were reported by Turkish carriers. According to Turkish media, Turkish Airlines cancelled 17 flights, Ajet cancelled six, and budget carrier Pegasus Airlines also axed its Friday services to Iran.
The ripple effect extended to the Gulf, where the website for Hamad International Airport showed at least two Friday flights between Doha and Tehran had been scrapped.
Ongoing Uncertainty for Travel
The situation leaves air travel to Iran in a state of considerable uncertainty. With the internet blackout limiting information flow and protests continuing, airlines face challenges in assessing safety and operational conditions. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest updates on rescheduled services and travel advice for the region.
The scale of the flight cancellations underscores the severe impact of the domestic crisis on international connectivity, with no immediate clarity on when normal service might resume.
