Hundreds of Nigerian travellers heading to destinations across the Middle East have been left stranded following escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have triggered widespread airspace closures and flight suspensions.
Airlines operating routes between Nigeria and countries such as Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates announced cancellations after several nations in the region shut their airspace amid ongoing strikes and counterstrikes.
Among the affected carriers are Qatar Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, Air India and Turkish Airlines, among others, all of which either suspended or adjusted operations in response to the security situation.
The disruption followed reported airstrikes on Iranian targets, after which Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks on US military installations in parts of the Gulf, including Qatar and Kuwait, as well as other locations in the region.
Several passengers scheduled to depart Nigeria on a Qatar Airways flight on Saturday morning were prevented from travelling.
Some who had already boarded were later asked to disembark after reports that Doha’s airspace had been temporarily closed.
One affected traveller said the announcement came as a shock.
He lamented that he had planned extensively for the trip but was informed that the airport in Doha was “not responding,” leaving him uncertain about alternative arrangements.
Another passenger travelling with a sibling expressed concern that the disruption could delay her sister’s return to school, describing the situation as distressing despite understanding the security concerns involved.
In a statement, Qatar Airways confirmed the temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha, citing the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline apologised for the inconvenience, emphasising that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority.
Air India also announced via its official X handle that it had halted flights to all Middle East destinations due to the developing situation.
The Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, Damilola Ogunyeye, confirmed that outbound carriers had begun cancelling services as airspaces in affected zones were shut.
Describing the development as unfortunate, Ogunyeye said the crisis could further erode travellers’ confidence in air transport safety.
He noted that aviation authorities and airlines could not afford to take risks in volatile airspace, stressing that safety considerations would always override commercial interests.
Similarly, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents, Yinka Folami, said airlines had started turning back passengers because of the emerging dangers in the region’s skies.
He reiterated that safety remained paramount in aviation decisions.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria warned that the ongoing restrictions were already affecting international operations to and from Nigeria.
In a statement, the agency disclosed that multiple scheduled flights linking Nigerian airports with Middle Eastern cities had either been delayed or cancelled as operators rerouted aircraft to avoid conflict zones.
Passengers were advised to maintain direct contact with their airlines for updated information on flight status, rebooking options and travel guidance.
The renewed tension followed coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on several locations across Iran, including Tehran.
US President Donald Trump described the action as “major combat operations,” coming after stalled negotiations over Iran’s alleged nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Iran subsequently launched missile attacks targeting areas in northern Israel and US military facilities in the Middle East, further heightening fears of a broader regional conflict.
Amid the escalation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Federal Government was closely monitoring the volatile situation.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry urged Nigerians residing in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states to exercise caution.
The government advised citizens to remain vigilant and steer clear of strategic, military and government installations that could become flashpoints as tensions continue to rise.