India, Jan. 10 -- Major airlines from the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey cancelled many flights to Iran on Friday, citing operational issues as nationwide protests grew and an internet blackout cut communication. The disruptions show how internal unrest is isolating the country and affecting regional travel.

Airlines suspended a significant portion of their Iran schedules. Flydubai cancelled all 17 of its Friday flights from Dubai to Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad. In Qatar, at least two Doha-Tehran flights were cancelled. Turkish Airlines reportedly cancelled 17 flights, with AJet cancelling six and Pegasus Airlines also suspending services. Iranian carriers like Iran Air and Mahan Air continued operating normally.

The cancellations coincide with...