Turkish airlines suspends flights to number of Middle East countries

Turkish Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan until March 13 due to heightened security risks following ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu told Anadolu Agency that the decision was based on ongoing assessments of regional airspace conditions. He added that Turkish authorities continue to closely monitor developments in coordination with aviation regulators.

Notices of airspace closure (NOTAM) remain in effect over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria, except for Aleppo airport. Limited civilian flights are still operating in Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and parts of the UAE.

The restrictions have affected multiple carriers, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AJet, and SunExpress. Pegasus has suspended flights to Iran until March 12, while Turkish Airlines has extended its Iran cancellations until March 20. Flights to Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Manama, Abu Dhabi, and Dammam have also been cancelled until March 13.

According to Minister Uraloglu, two Turkish Airlines and Pegasus aircraft remain grounded in Tehran, while a plane operated by Tailwind Airlines is currently in Iraq. The ministry emphasised that flight schedules will continue to be evaluated as the security situation evolves.

By Sabina Mammadli