Türkiye Extends Flight Suspensions to Multiple Middle Eastern Countries Amidst Regional Conflict

Türkiye has extended the suspension of flights to several Middle Eastern destinations due to escalating security risks stemming from the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, a senior official announced on Friday. The disruptions represent the largest impact to air travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Escalating Conflict and Airspace Restrictions

The conflict began last weekend with U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, which prompted retaliatory strikes from Tehran. This has led to widespread airspace closures and restrictions across the region, forcing airlines to reroute flights and causing significant congestion.

Affected Flights and Airlines

Flights operated by Turkish carriers to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan have been suspended until March 9. Flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were also suspended on Friday, according to Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

Turkish Airlines (THY) and Pegasus Airlines have removed Iran flights from their schedules until March 12 and March 20, respectively.

Regional Airspace Status

Uraloğlu reported that airspace closures remain in effect over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria, with the exception of Aleppo. Partial air traffic continues in Oman, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, even as operations in the United Arab Emirates are being managed in a controlled and limited manner.

Grounded Aircraft and Rerouted Flights

A total of seven Iraqi Airways aircraft are currently grounded at Turkish airports. Two Turkish aircraft remain at an airport in Tehran. Two Azerbaijan Airways flights were rerouted to the Iğdır province, and passengers were transported to Nakhchivan by land following Iranian drone attacks in the area.

Türkiye’s Position on the Conflict

Türkiye has stated it is closely following the attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran with concern, emphasizing that Ankara is not taking sides in the conflict. According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Ankara’s priorities are focused on ensuring a ceasefire and reopening the path to diplomacy Türkiye rejects taking sides in US-Israel war on Iran.

President Erdoğan expressed sadness and concern over the U.S.-Israeli attacks against Iran, attributing them to the provocations of Netanyahu Statement by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Iran and developments in the region.