Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and its airspace as part of retaliation against the United States and Israel. A total of 227 flights from Türkiye to the region were cancelled within 2 days.
Iranian Retaliation Brought Air Traffic to a Standstill
Following the air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, Iran responded with regional retaliation by closing the Strait of Hormuz and its airspace. Due to the increasing security risk, major cancellations occurred in flights departing from Türkiye to the region and those scheduled to return to Türkiye from the region.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that all flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan have been cancelled until 2 March 2026. Flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman have been suspended on a daily basis.
Two-Day Flight Cancellation Figures
- On 28 February 2026, a total of 121 flights were cancelled, including 60 departures and 61 arrivals.
- On 1 March 2026, a total of 106 flights were cancelled, including 57 departures and 49 arrivals.
Thus, within two days, a total of 227 flights between Türkiye and Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait and Oman were cancelled. The cancelled flights were displayed on the screens at Istanbul Airport, causing disruptions to passengers’ travel plans.
Regional Impact and Security Measures
While Iran’s decision to close its airspace has increased the security risk in the region, aviation authorities in Türkiye and other countries continue to intensify their efforts to reorganise air traffic and inform passengers.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure stated that the rights of passengers affected by cancellations and changes will be protected and that the necessary coordination has been ensured.
