Travelers planning to fly to Iran are facing unexpected cancellations this week.
Turkish Airlines has axed all five of its Friday flights to Tehran, according to the Istanbul Airport app.
Meanwhile, five additional flights operated by Iranian carriers have also been cancelled, though seven other routes remain scheduled to operate as planned.
Iran Grapples With Growing Protests and Economic Strain
The cancellations come as Iran experiences mounting unrest over the rising cost of living.
Protesters have taken to the streets, openly challenging the government and the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
These demonstrations are unfolding against a backdrop of economic hardship, which has been intensified by years of international sanctions and the country’s recovery from the June war with Israel.
Alarming Reports of Violence Against Demonstrators
Human rights groups have raised alarms over the treatment of protesters.
According to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights, at least 45 demonstrators—including eight minors—have been killed by security forces since the protests began.
The reports suggest that authorities are responding with deadly force, further escalating tensions across the nation.
Flights Diverted as Safety Concerns Grow
The unrest has already affected international travel.
Flight tracking website Flight Radar reported that a Turkish Airlines flight to Shiraz and a Pegasus flight to Mashad both turned back from Iranian airspace on Thursday night.
These incidents underscore the challenges airlines face in ensuring the safety of passengers amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Turkey-Iran Border Still Open but Monitored
Turkey shares a roughly 500-kilometre (300-mile) border with Iran, with three active land crossings.
While land travel remains possible, authorities are likely monitoring the situation closely, given the escalating unrest and its potential impact on regional stability.
What’s Next for Travelers and the Region?
With protests showing no signs of slowing down, airlines and travelers will be keeping a close eye on developments.
Flight schedules may continue to be disrupted, and the broader economic and political situation in Iran could have ripple effects across neighboring countries, including Turkey.
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