Turkish Airlines has suspended all five of its scheduled flights to Tehran on Friday, as Iran continues to experience widespread protests over rising living costs, according to the Istanbul Airport app. The disruption comes amid escalating unrest across the country, which has drawn international attention.

In addition to the Turkish carrier, five flights operated by Iranian airlines have also been cancelled, while seven others remain scheduled to operate, the airport app shows. Authorities in Turkey have not yet released an official statement regarding the flight cancellations or the situation in Iran.

Iran has been grappling with an intensifying economic crisis following years of international sanctions, compounded by the aftermath of the June conflict with Israel. Citizens have taken to the streets to protest high inflation, energy shortages, and declining living standards, prompting a heavy response from security forces.

Human rights organizations report that the crackdown on protesters has been severe. Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights stated that at least 45 people have been killed since the protests began, including eight minors, with security forces accused of using live ammunition against demonstrators.

Flight tracking data shows that Turkish Airlines flights to Shiraz, as well as a Pegasus Airlines flight to Mashhad, were forced to return from Iranian airspace on Thursday night, reflecting rising concerns over the safety of air travel amid the unrest.

Turkey shares a border of roughly 500 kilometers with Iran, including three active land crossings, making it a key neighbor monitoring the situation closely. The ongoing protests and government crackdown have raised fears of further economic instability and potential regional spillover.

Authorities and travelers are closely watching developments, as continued unrest in Tehran could lead to additional disruptions in commercial flights and cross-border travel.