Iran Closes Airspace and Suspends All Civil Flight Permits Amid Reported US Attack Threats

The Iranian Civil Aviation Authority has announced a temporary closure of the airspace over western Iran on Saturday (23/05/2026) local time. This policy was implemented following reports that the United States military is preparing to launch new attacks against Iran, amidst indirect diplomatic efforts between the two nations to reach a ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, the agency conveyed that all civil flight permits have been suspended at airports located in the western sector of the Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR).

Currently, only eight airports across the country remain operational, including Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini Airports in Tehran, as well as airports in Isfahan and Yazd, according to Gulf News. At the remaining operational airports, flights are restricted to daylight hours only, between sunrise and sunset. Furthermore, airlines are required to obtain new approval from the Civil Aviation Authority for every flight schedule. These stringent measures have been introduced amidst rising regional tensions and renewed speculation regarding the possibility of further military escalation involving the United States and Iran.