Ankara, March 9 (SANA) Turkish airlines have suspended all flights to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan through Friday, citing heightened security risks across the Middle East as regional tensions escalate following U.S.–Israeli military strikes against Iran.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said Monday in remarks carried by the state-run Anadolu Agency that the decision followed “continuous assessments of regional airspace conditions” amid growing instability. He added that Turkish authorities are closely monitoring developments in coordination with aviation bodies.
According to Uraloğlu, airspace closure notices (NOTAMs) remain in effect over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Syria—except for Aleppo Airport—while civilian flights continue on a limited basis in Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, the United Arab Emirates.
The suspension affects Turkish Airlines, AJet, Pegasus and SunExpress. Pegasus has halted flights to Iran until Thursday, while Turkish Airlines extended its suspension of flights to the country until March 20.
Flights to Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Dammam have also been canceled through Friday. The minister noted that two aircraft belonging to Turkish Airlines and Pegasus remain grounded in Tehran, while another aircraft operated by Tailwind Airlines—leased by an Iraqi carrier—remains inside Iraq.
The region has seen a sharp escalation since February 28 due to the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The violence has caused casualties and widespread damage, prompting growing international calls to de-escalate and safeguard regional stability.
R.D
