Air travel between Iran and several regional hubs faced major disruption on Friday after airlines from Dubai, Turkey and Qatar cancelled dozens of flights amid nationwide protests and an ongoing internet blackout in Iran.

At least 17 flights between Dubai and Iranian cities, including Tehran, Shiraz and Mashhad, were cancelled on Friday, according to the Dubai Airports website.

The flights were scheduled to be operated by flydubai. No official reason was provided for the cancellations, but they coincided with a countrywide internet shutdown in Iran that began on Thursday as authorities moved to contain expanding protests.

In a further setback for travellers, the Dubai Airports website also showed that at least six flights from Abu Dhabi to Iranian cities were cancelled.

Turkish airlines

Disruptions were also reported on routes between Turkey and Iran.

Turkish media said 17 flights operated by Turkish Airlines were cancelled on Friday. In addition, Turkey’s low-cost carrier AJet cancelled six flights, while budget airline Pegasus Airlines also suspended several services to Iranian destinations.

Saudi television channel Al-Hadath, citing sources, reported that the flight cancellations from Turkey were linked to the ongoing protests across the Islamic Republic.

Qatar flights to Tehran cancelled

The impact extended to Qatar as well.

Information on the Hamad International Airport website showed that at least two flights between Doha and Tehran, scheduled for Friday, were cancelled. No official explanation was issued by Qatari authorities or the airlines involved.

Iran has been facing nationwide protests since late December, driven largely by economic hardships and political discontent. Demonstrations have spread to multiple cities, prompting heightened security measures.

As part of efforts to curb unrest, authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout, significantly affecting communications, airline operations and travel planning.