Rising military tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have disrupted international air travel, leaving several Nigerian passengers stranded as flights across the Middle East were suspended.
Travellers heading to countries such as Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates were affected after multiple nations closed their airspaces.
Airlines including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa consequently cancelled numerous scheduled flights.
The disruption followed coordinated strikes on Iranian targets by the United States and Israel, which triggered retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on US military facilities within the region, prompting aviation authorities to enforce emergency safety measures.
Aviation activities across several Middle Eastern countries were significantly reduced as governments moved to protect their airspace.
Syria restricted flights near its southern border, Kuwait temporarily shut down its skies, while Russia suspended commercial flights to both Israel and Iran.
Nigerian travellers were among those impacted, with passengers already seated on a Qatar Airways flight asked to disembark after authorities announced the closure of Doha’s airspace.
Some affected passengers described the sudden development as frustrating and emotionally distressing.
Qatar Airways later confirmed that flights to and from Doha had been temporarily halted, assuring passengers that the decision was taken to prioritise safety.
Air India also suspended its Middle East operations due to the deteriorating security environment.
Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, Damilola Ogunyeye, explained that airlines had no option but to suspend operations to avoid potential risks, noting that safety considerations remain paramount in aviation.
Similarly, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents, Yinka Folami, confirmed that some passengers were turned back as airlines responded to the airspace closures and rising security concerns.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria stated that the conflict had affected international flight schedules linked to Nigerian airports, with delays and cancellations recorded as airlines adjusted routes away from conflict zones.
Military strikes reportedly hit several locations in Iran, including the capital, Tehran, following stalled diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
Iran later launched counterattacks targeting areas in northern Israel and US military positions.
Amid the escalating situation, the Federal Government advised Nigerians living in Iran and nearby Gulf countries to remain alert.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was closely monitoring developments and urged citizens to avoid sensitive locations that could become security flashpoints.
