Iran has imposed a temporary closure on its airspace, restricting operations to only international civilian flights that have secured prior approval from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.
The restriction, effective from late January 14, 2026, until early January 15, 2026, applies to the Tehran Flight Information Region (OIIX) and has led to widespread flight diversions and heightened aviation safety concerns.
This move comes against the backdrop of ongoing nationwide protests in Iran, which have intensified security measures and prompted international scrutiny. Flight tracking services like Flightradar24 reported a near-empty Iranian airspace shortly after the announcement, with airlines rerouting to avoid potential risks.
The airspace shutdown coincides with notable US military activity in the Gulf. Six KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, essential for extending the range of fighter jets during operations, have departed from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. US officials described this as part of precautionary repositioning amid regional instability.
Additionally, some personnel at the base, which hosts thousands of US troops and serves as a hub for air operations, were advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening (January 14, 2026) as a safety measure.
This development has fueled speculation about potential US involvement in the Iranian crisis, especially as several countries, including the US, have issued evacuation advisories for their citizens in the region.
