Iran has suspended all domestic and international flights across the country until further notice, authorities announced on Saturday, citing security concerns in the wake of overnight Israeli airstrikes.
According to the Iran Airports and Air Navigation Company, the unprecedented suspension applies to every airport nationwide and was implemented under the direction of the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran.
The decision comes after Israeli forces reportedly carried out overnight strikes, heightening regional tensions and prompting Iranian officials to take precautionary steps to ensure public safety, particularly for air travellers.
“All flight operations are halted across the country until further notice,” aviation authorities said. “Citizens are strongly advised to avoid going to civil airports during this time.”
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No official timeline has been given for the resumption of regular air traffic.
The Israeli military has continued its aerial operations inside Iranian territory, with multiple explosions and air defence activity reported in and around Tehran and other key locations, foreign media and Iranian sources confirmed on Saturday.
According to Reuters, several blasts were heard across Tehran as the city’s air defence systems were activated in what appears to be an ongoing attempt to intercept incoming projectiles.
The BBC cited visuals and local reports indicating that a radar facility in the Vardavard district of western Tehran was among the targets. Similar reports suggest additional radar sites in the Abdanan area of southern Iran were also struck.
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Iran’s semi-official news agency ISNA reported that rescue services were dispatched to the Hakimiyya district in eastern Tehran following loud explosions. Eyewitnesses said sirens and emergency vehicles were seen in the area late into the night.
Security officials have also confirmed a major explosion in Tehran’s Mehrabad area, in what was described as an attempt to strike the city's international airport. Though fire and plumes of smoke were captured in videos circulating online, officials denied any damage to the iconic Azadi Tower, which is located near Mehrabad Airport.
