Fly Dubai and Turkish Airlines have announced the cancellation of a number of flights to Iran due to the widespread protests in the country caused by the economic crisis and rising prices. They have advised travelers to contact service centers for updates and rebooking options.
Fly Dubai stated that it is in direct contact with all affected passengers and will adjust its flight schedule in accordance with current developments. The airline urged customers to contact its call center, visit its stores, or consult with authorized travel agents to inquire about rebooking options.
Similarly, Turkish Airlines announced the cancellation of 17 flights on January 9th and 10th to Tehran, Tabriz, and Mashhad. It also canceled all its flights from Istanbul to Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranian airlines canceled five additional flights, while seven flights remained on the schedule without further official clarification from Turkish authorities.
Iran has been witnessing protests for weeks due to deteriorating living conditions, high inflation rates, and the devaluation of the Iranian rial. The exchange rate for one US dollar has exceeded 1.4 million rials in the unofficial market, compared to about 820,000 rials a year ago, which has exacerbated public discontent.
The Iranian President called on law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and avoid using violence against protesters, affirming citizens’ right to express their opinions peacefully. Concurrently, the US President warned Iran of the consequences of using force against demonstrators, stating that Washington is monitoring developments and is prepared to act if necessary.
The protests have also affected civil aviation, with movement restrictions imposed, some roads and airports closed, and near-total internet and international communication blackouts in some areas, further complicating the domestic situation.
Fly Dubai
Fly Dubai is a low-cost airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2008 by the government of Dubai. It was launched to support the growing demand for affordable travel in the region and has since expanded to become a major carrier, connecting Dubai with numerous destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier airline of Turkey, founded in 1933 with a fleet of just five aircraft. It has since grown into a major global airline, renowned for its extensive network that connects numerous countries worldwide.
Iran
Iran, historically known as Persia, is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a rich cultural history spanning thousands of years. It is renowned for its significant contributions to art, science, and literature, as well as architectural marvels like the ancient ruins of Persepolis. The modern Islamic Republic was established in 1979 following a revolution that transformed the nation’s political system.
Tehran
Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, officially becoming the capital in 1786 under the Qajar dynasty. It serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center, home to significant historical sites like the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 19th century.
Tabriz
Tabriz is a historic city in northwestern Iran, most famous as the capital of the Safavid Empire in the 16th century and a key hub along the ancient Silk Road. Its rich history is reflected in sites like the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been a center of commerce and culture for centuries.
Mashhad
Mashhad is a major city in northeastern Iran, most famous as the site of the Imam Reza shrine, which is the largest mosque in the world by area and a central pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims. The city grew around the tomb of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, who was martyred there in 817 AD, and it became a prominent religious and cultural center from the 9th century onward.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles the Bosporus Strait, historically serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires under the names Constantinople and Byzantium. Its rich history is visible in landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque, and the Topkapı Palace, the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries.
Iranian rial
The Iranian rial is the official currency of Iran, introduced in 1798 as a coin and later replacing the qiran as the primary monetary unit in 1932. Its value has been subject to significant fluctuation and devaluation, particularly following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and subsequent international economic sanctions.
US dollar
The US dollar is the official currency of the United States, established by the Coinage Act of 1792. It evolved from a system based on Spanish milled dollars and has become the world’s primary reserve currency since the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1944.
