Istanbul Airport announced the cancellation of several flights to Tehran, affecting Turkish Airlines and two Iranian carriers. This came just before scheduled flights on Saturday, with four flights to Tehran also being called off, while six other flights remained unaffected and were still set to operate. An early Saturday flight from Turkish Airlines to Tabriz in Northern Iran was also canceled, indicating significant disruptions in air travel to the region.

On Friday, Turkish authorities did not offer any comments regarding the situation in Iran and opted out of joining numerous other countries advising their citizens against traveling to the Islamic Republic. The lack of official statements from Turkey raises questions about its stance amidst rising tensions in the region, especially given its significant border of 550 kilometers with Iran and the three crossing points that exist.

The flight cancellations and the Turkish government’s silence might reflect broader geopolitical considerations, including Turkey's complex relations with Iran and its implications for regional stability. As such, travelers to Iran from Turkey and elsewhere may need to remain cautious, as the situation continues to evolve, potentially affecting more flights in the days ahead.