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Türkiye has extended the suspension of flights to several Middle Eastern destinations due to escalating security risks linked to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said Friday.
In a statement on X, Uraloglu said authorities are closely monitoring developments in the regional airspace.
He noted that airspace closures remain in effect in Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Syria, except for the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.
Uraloglu added that partial air traffic continues in Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, while operations in the United Arab Emirates are being managed in a controlled and limited manner.
The minister said Turkish air carriers had previously suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan until March 6 due to security concerns, but the suspension has now been extended until the end of March 9.
The suspension applies to flights operated by Turkish Airlines, AJet, Pegasus Airlines and SunExpress.
Pegasus Airlines has removed its Iran flights from its schedule until March 12, while Turkish Airlines has suspended its Iran services until March 20.
Uraloglu also said that, following daily security assessments regarding developments in regional airspace, flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates would not operate on Friday.
The minister said several foreign aircraft remain grounded in Türkiye.
“Additionally, there are 4 Iraqi Airways aircraft grounded at Istanbul Airport, 2 at Mugla Dalaman Airport, and 1 at Ankara Esenboga Airport. The grounding status for a total of 7 aircraft is in effect, and the process is being followed in coordination with the relevant units,” Uraloglu said.
He also noted that two aircraft belonging to Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines remain at Tehran Airport, while one aircraft leased from Tailwind Airlines is currently in Iraq.
Meanwhile, following a drone-related incident at Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan International Airport, two passenger aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines were diverted and landed at Igdir Sehit Bulent Aydin Airport.
Passengers were later safely transported to Nakhchivan by road.
Uraloglu said relevant authorities are continuing to monitor developments closely and remain in coordination with aviation and security institutions to respond to any potential changes affecting regional airspace and airports.
The aviation disruptions come amid an ongoing U.S.-Israeli offensive on Iran that has reportedly killed more than 1,000 people since Saturday, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials.
Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
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