Story perspectives

Airlines Halt Flights to Iran Amid Ongoing Protests

1/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Airlines canceled or suspended flights to Iran amid escalating protests.
Over the weekend, 46 flights were canceled at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, affecting Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
The unrest began on December 28, 2025, causing widespread violence, including more than 500 deaths and a near-total internet blackout.
The U.S. embassy advised American citizens to leave Iran.
Lufthansa has postponed resuming flights to Tehran, aiming for late January.

History

Historical Context

The 2009 Iranian presidential election sparked widespread protests, known as the Green Movement, after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's controversial victory announcement. Opposition leaders Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi claimed electoral fraud, leading to violent crackdowns by government forces, resulting in over 100 deaths. The unrest highlighted ongoing human rights abuses and has contributed to Iran's international isolation, echoing current tensions affecting airline operations.

1 of 2

Story summary

Airlines canceled or suspended flights to Iran amid escalating protests.
Over the weekend, 46 flights were canceled at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, affecting Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
The unrest began on December 28, 2025, causing widespread violence, including more than 500 deaths and a near-total internet blackout.
The U.S. embassy advised American citizens to leave Iran.
Lufthansa has postponed resuming flights to Tehran, aiming for late January.

1 / 2