Travel Alert: Major Flight Cancellations Hit Dubai-Iran Routes Amid Unrest
Air travel between Dubai and Iran faced major disruptions on Friday, January 9, 2026, with nearly 20 scheduled flights cancelled, according to data from Dubai Airports. The cancellations affected key routes to Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad, leaving passengers stranded and highlighting the impact of regional instability on aviation.
Multiple Airlines Ground Flights
The low-cost carrier flydubai bore the brunt of the cancellations, confirming it had cancelled all its scheduled flights to Iran for the day. The airline advised affected passengers to contact its call center or visit ticket offices for rebooking or refunds.
The disruption extended to other carriers:
Turkish Airlines reportedly cancelled up to 17 flights.
Turkish carriers Ajet and Pegasus Airlines grounded multiple services.
Qatar Airways cancelled at least two flights between Doha and Tehran.
Link to Iran’s Civil Unrest and Internet Blackout
The mass cancellations coincide with widespread civil unrest in Iran, where protests over a severe economic crisis have intensified since late December 2025. In response, Iranian authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout starting January 8.
This blackout is a critical factor, as it severely disrupts essential aviation communications—including air traffic control data, flight updates, and passenger notifications—creating an unsafe and unpredictable operating environment for airlines.
Passenger Impact and Travel Advice
Travelers faced sudden itinerary changes, unexpected delays, and accommodation challenges. Airlines are managing rebookings on a case-by-case basis.
Passengers are strongly advised to:
Check flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
Monitor official airline websites and apps for real-time updates.
Expect potential further schedule adjustments until the situation stabilizes.
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Broader Implications for Regional Aviation
This event underscores how regional air travel is vulnerable to geopolitical and infrastructural shocks. Routes between major hubs like Dubai and neighboring countries are particularly sensitive, demonstrating how instability can cause immediate, cascading disruptions across multiple airlines.
While services are expected to resume once conditions in Iran normalize, the timeline remains uncertain. Travelers planning trips between the UAE and Iran in the coming days should proceed with caution, allow extra time, and stay informed through official channels.
