An efficient iron-catalyzed cascade Michael addition–cyclization of o-aminoaryl compounds including o-aminoaryl aldehydes, o-aminoaryl ketones, and o-aminobenzyl alcohols with ynones for the synthesis of 3-carbonyl quinolines is reported. The reactions proceed to afford 3-carbonyl quinoline derivatives with or without substituent at the C-4 position in good to high yields using Iron(III) chloride hexahydrate as the catalyst in the air.