Nigerian air travellers heading to or returning from major Middle Eastern destinations have been stranded following widespread airspace closures triggered by escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran.
The disruption has forced several international carriers — including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian, Air Algérie, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa — to suspend or cancel flights as security risks intensify across the region.
The crisis followed large-scale airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on US military installations and regional locations across Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Airspaces Shut Across Region
Air travel across much of the Middle East was severely disrupted on Saturday after multiple countries closed their airspaces amid ongoing attacks and counterattacks.
Syria temporarily shut sections of its southern airspace near the Israeli border, while Jordan reportedly conducted military drills to secure its skies. Kuwait also closed its airspace, later confirming that its defence systems intercepted incoming missiles.
Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, announced the suspension of all commercial flights to Israel and Iran until further notice.
Nigerian Passengers Left Stranded
Several Nigerian passengers travelling via Qatar Airways were prevented from departing after already boarding flights, following the sudden closure of Doha’s airspace.
One affected traveller said the announcement came without warning.
“I had planned everything around this trip. Suddenly, they said the Doha airport was not responding. I don’t even understand what that means. This situation is really painful,” the passenger said.
Another traveller expressed concern about academic disruptions for a family member.
“Only God knows when my sister will return to school. We understand the situation, but it is heartbreaking.”
Qatar Airways later confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha, citing safety concerns.
“The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the airline said in a statement.
Air India also suspended all flights to Middle Eastern destinations, describing the move as necessary due to the “developing situation” in the region.
Airlines Cancel Flights as Safety Concerns Rise
Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, Damilola Ogunyeye, said airlines were cancelling operations to avoid risks associated with uncertain airspace conditions.
“In aviation, safety comes first. There is no parking space in the sky when crises occur, so airlines cannot take chances,” he said, expressing hope that stability would soon return.
President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents, Yinka Folami, confirmed that airlines had begun returning passengers home after suspending flights.
“There are dangers in the airspace, and safety remains paramount,” he said.
FAAN Issues Advisory to Travellers
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria warned that the ongoing crisis was affecting international flight operations linking Nigerian airports with Middle Eastern destinations.
The agency advised passengers to maintain direct communication with airlines for updates on flight status, rebooking options and travel guidance.
FAAN said it was working closely with global aviation regulators and airline operators to monitor developments and prioritise passenger safety.
FG Warns Nigerians in Conflict Zones
Meanwhile, the Federal Government urged Nigerians residing in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries to exercise caution amid rising tensions.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said authorities were closely monitoring the “evolving and volatile situation” and advised Nigerians to avoid military or government installations, large gatherings and non-essential travel.
Nigerian embassies in Tehran, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been directed to provide consular assistance where necessary.
Conflict Raises Global Concerns
The escalation follows coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran described by US President Donald Trump as major combat operations targeting perceived security threats.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, may have been killed during the attacks — a claim yet to be confirmed by Iranian authorities.
Iran has since launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting Israel and US military bases across the Middle East, deepening fears of a wider regional conflict.
Experts Warn of Oil Price Surge, Global Fallout
Former Nigerian diplomats warned that escalating hostilities could trigger sharp increases in global oil prices, particularly if tensions disrupt shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a route that carries a significant portion of global oil supply.
They noted that while higher oil prices could temporarily boost Nigeria’s revenue as an oil-producing nation, prolonged instability may harm global trade, investment flows and economic predictability.
Security analysts also urged Nigeria to reassess its foreign policy posture amid shifting global alliances, warning that prolonged neutrality could weaken the country’s strategic influence in an increasingly polarised world.
As fighting continues and airspaces remain restricted, thousands of travellers — including Nigerians — face uncertainty over when normal international flight operations will resume.
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