Iran-Israel tensions disrupt Turkish airlines: 10 planes stranded in Iran, Iraq

The escalating military confrontation between Israel and Iran has had a direct impact on Turkish civil aviation, with ten Turkish-registered passenger aircraft currently stranded in Iran and Iraq. 

The affected aircraft belong to Pegasus Airlines, Tailwind Airlines, Turkish Airlines (THY), and AJet, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

According to obtained information, Pegasus Airlines has a total of seven aircraft stuck—five in Iran and two in Iraq. Tailwind Airlines has one aircraft grounded in Iran, while Turkish Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary AJet each have one aircraft stranded in Iraq.

The total number of Turkish passenger planes unable to return home has thus risen to ten, as regional airspace disruptions create operational and security challenges. In response to the growing uncertainty and potential risks associated with flying over Iranian airspace, several countries have shut their airspace to flights in the region or redirected traffic along alternative routes.

Turkish airline operators are closely monitoring developments and are reportedly engaged in both diplomatic and technical efforts to secure the safe return of their aircraft and crews.

Tailwind Airlines provided a statement to AirportHaber, confirming that one of its aircraft remains in Tehran.

“We are in constant contact with local authorities. The most important point is that there is no security problem with the crew and our aircraft. Our priority is to ensure the safe return of our crew and aircraft to our country. All necessary initiatives are being taken,” the statement concluded.

By Sabina Mammadli