Iran abruptly closes airspace as airlines divert and avoid Tehran FIR

Iran has temporarily closed its airspace at short notice, prompting widespread flight diversions and renewed concerns over aviation safety in the region amid heightened security tensions.

According to a NOTAM issued by Iranian authorities (A0225/26), the Tehran Flight Information Region (OIIX) was closed to all flights from 14 January at 22:15 UTC until 15 January at 00:30 UTC, except for international civil arrivals and departures operating with prior approval from Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority. The published end time was described as estimated only, with the closure subject to extension or repetition at short notice.

The airspace restriction comes against a backdrop of elevated internal unrest, a nationwide internet and communications blackout, and increased regional security concerns. Aviation risk monitoring platform Safe Airspace warned that the situation could indicate further security or military activity, including the potential activation of air defence systems or missile operations.

Airlines divert and avoid Iranian airspace

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed numerous commercial aircraft actively avoiding Iranian airspace during the closure period, with many rerouting south via Saudi Arabia and Egypt rather than transiting Iran.

One example widely shared on social media showed Emirates flight EK325, operating from South Korea to the United Arab Emirates, making a sharp turn near Iran’s eastern border before returning to its original routing, avoiding the Tehran FIR entirely. Other aircraft were observed diverting or performing U-turns as the NOTAM came into force.

Multiple airlines have already reduced or suspended services to Iran in recent months, and most international carriers have been avoiding both Iranian and Israeli airspace since the escalation of regional hostilities in late 2024.

Safety concerns and historical precedent

Aviation security analysts note that the primary risk in the current environment is the misidentification of civil aircraft by Iranian air defence systems, particularly during periods of heightened alert. Iran has previously demonstrated its willingness to employ long-range surface-to-air weapons near heavily trafficked international air routes.

The risks are underscored by the January 2020 shoot-down of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 shortly after departure from Tehran, an incident that remains a defining reference point for airline risk assessments in the region.

Several countries have issued or maintained airspace warnings for Iran. The United States continues to prohibit N-registered aircraft from operating in Iranian airspace, while many European and Asian carriers have adopted long-standing avoidance policies.