Gulf Conflict Leaves Turkish Aircraft Stranded, Flights Suspended

ISTANBUL — Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed that three commercial aircraft registered to the country remain in Tehran, according to APA. 

The ministry continues to regularly update the media on their status and has confirmed that all crew involved with the stranded Turkish Airlines (TK) and Pegasus (PC) planes have been evacuated safely through the embassy in Tehran.

A third aircraft operated by Turkish-British carrier Tailwind Airlines (TI) is reportedly stranded in Iraq. Before the flight disruptions, Turkish airlines would run on the following schedules:

• Turkish Airlines (IST-IKA): Daily flights, often around 08:50 or evening times.
• Pegasus (SAW-IKA): Multiple daily flights (e.g., morning 08:00, night 22:30 or 00:30).

Türkiye amid the Gulf crisis

Turkish carriers have been heavily affected by the conflict in Iran, with flights between the two countries expected to remain suspended until March 13, 2026, at the earliest. There are fears that suspension may be extended until the end of the month.

In the broader Gulf region, service to destinations including Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Dammam has been removed from TK’s schedule until at least March 20, 2026.

Uraloglu added that the ministry continues to monitor the situation across Middle Eastern airspace. NOTAMs citing airspace closures remain in effect over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria, except the area around Aleppo. 

Partial reopenings continue throughout Oman, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, while the United Arab Emirates is operating air traffic on a controlled, limited basis.