Latest Developments in Middle East Airspace Restrictions
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced ongoing monitoring of the situation in Middle East airspace following recent attacks in Iran. Uraloğlu stated, “All flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan have been suspended until 6 March 2026. Flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates are suspended until 3 March 2026.”
Details on Airspace Closures and Flight Operations
Current Airspace Status
The Minister highlighted that NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) regarding airspace closures remain in effect over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and the southern region of Syria. Civil aviation operations continue in Oman, parts of Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. In the United Arab Emirates, emergency traffic redirection measures are in place, but Emirates and Etihad Airways flights are set to resume as of today.
Turkish Carriers’ Current Status
According to Uraloğlu, one Turkish Airlines aircraft and one Pegasus Airlines aircraft remain on the ground at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. No AJet aircraft are currently positioned in Iran, Syria, Iraq, or other restricted zones. Additionally, a Tailwind Airlines aircraft leased to an Iraqi company is in Iraq.
Crew Safety and Ongoing Measures
Crew members and representatives from THY and Pegasus in Tehran have returned to Turkey in coordination with the Turkish Embassy’s evacuation plan. For the Tailwind aircraft in Iraq, crew members are in contact with the Turkish Embassy in Baghdad and are currently waiting there. Uraloğlu noted that Turkish airline staff remain stationed in Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar, but there is no significant risk in those locations.
Flight Suspension Details
Uraloğlu emphasized that flight plans are being adjusted to avoid restricted airspace. He clarified: “Due to ongoing risks, THY, AJet, Pegasus, and SunExpress have suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan until 6 March 2026. Pegasus Airlines will not operate to Iran until 12 March. All flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE are cancelled until 3 March 2026.”
Decisions are assessed daily, and suspensions may continue if current conditions persist. Flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina (Saudi Arabia), and Oman are currently operating as scheduled.
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