Nigerians attempting to travel to or from Middle Eastern destinations have been left stranded as major airlines, including Qatar Airways and Emirates, suspended flights amid the escalating US–Israel conflict with Iran.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said in a statement that ongoing airspace closures in parts of the Middle East were disrupting flight operations to and from the region, forcing cancellations and delays.
Flights scheduled with carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates, alongside other international airlines, were affected after several countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait and others, imposed airspace restrictions in response to the conflict.
Passengers trying to travel through Doha and other Gulf hubs were unable to depart on Saturday, with some already onboard Qatar Airways flights reportedly asked to disembark when airspace closures were announced.
One affected passenger said, “I had planned so many things around this trip. Suddenly, they announced that the airport in Doha is not responding, and honestly, I don’t even understand what that means.”
Another traveller, accompanied by a family member, said the disruption had upended their plans, adding, “With this development, only God knows when my sister will be able to return to school.”
Qatar Airways said it temporarily suspended flights due to the closure of Qatari airspace, stressing that passenger safety was its highest priority and apologising for the inconvenience.
Air India also announced the suspension of flights to all its Middle East destinations, citing the evolving situation in the region.
FAAN advised affected passengers to contact their airlines directly for up-to-date information on flight status, rebooking options and further guidance.
The disruptions come amid a wave of military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation, prompting widespread airspace closures across the region.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued an advisory urging Nigerians in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries to take precautionary measures and avoid non-essential travel until the situation stabilises.