In a significant travel disruption, hundreds of passengers found their plans upended on Friday, January 9, 2026, as multiple airlines operating from Dubai abruptly cancelled flights to Iran. The move, a direct response to escalating civil unrest and political instability within Iran, has left travellers scrambling for alternatives.
Flights Grounded: The Immediate Impact
The cancellations were not isolated incidents but a coordinated, safety-first response by carriers. Data from the Dubai Airports website confirmed that at least six major flights were scrapped. The primary airline affected was flydubai, which removed a total of six services from its schedule for the day.
The impacted Iranian cities include key hubs:
- Tehran (IKA)
- Shiraz (SYZ)
- Mashhad (MHD)
While Emirates did not cancel flights outright from Dubai, it implemented a crucial "transit rule." The airline announced that passengers originating from cities like London, Paris, or New York would not be accepted for travel if their final destination was Iran, Iraq, or Jordan, with a connection in Dubai. This strategic decision aims to prevent travellers from becoming stranded at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Another carrier, Air Arabia, which operates from Sharjah, was reviewing its schedule, warning passengers to expect delays or short-notice cancellations. This pattern mirrors actions across the Middle East, with airlines like Turkish Airlines also cancelling seven flights to Tehran earlier in the week.
Why the Sudden Cancellations?
The root cause of this aviation halt is a massive wave of civil unrest sweeping Iran. The protests, which began in late December 2025, were triggered by a sudden 30% devaluation of the Iranian Rial and soaring inflation. The demonstrations have since spread to over 150 locations across 27 provinces, including major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad.
This is not merely an economic protest but has evolved into a significant political challenge. State TV reports of street battles and debris-strewn roads in major urban centres presented a clear operational risk for airlines. The safety of crew and passengers became the paramount concern, leading to the precautionary cancellations. The protests have featured slogans like "Not Gaza, not Lebanon, my life for Iran," highlighting public frustration with the government's foreign policy focus amid domestic economic crisis.
What Travellers Must Do Now
For anyone planning travel between the UAE and Iran, immediate action is required. Here are the essential steps:
Check Your Flight Status Before Leaving Home: Do not assume your flight is operating. Use the airline's official website or mobile app to get real-time confirmation.
Stay Alert for Official Notifications: Ensure your contact details in the booking are current. Airlines typically send updates via email or SMS regarding cancellations, rebooking, or refunds.
Understand Your Rights for Rebooking or Refund: When an airline initiates a cancellation, passengers are usually entitled to free rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund as per the carrier's policy. Contact your airline directly for assistance.
Monitor Government Travel Advisories: The situation remains fluid. Keep an eye on official travel warnings and airspace updates from relevant authorities, as these directly influence airline operations.
The atmosphere at Dubai International (DXB) remains calm but busy, with ground staff working to assist affected passengers. However, the usual quick hop across the Gulf has transformed into an uncertain waiting game. This incident underscores the critical importance of flexible travel arrangements and staying informed through official channels during periods of regional volatility. While some services may resume as the situation evolves, schedules remain subject to change based on ongoing safety assessments.
