Nigerians traveling to and from parts of the Middle East have been stranded as airlines cancel flights following escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Carriers including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa announced widespread cancellations after multiple countries shut their airspace amid military strikes and counterattacks.
Flights across several Middle Eastern countries were disrupted Saturday after airstrikes on Iran were followed by retaliatory missile attacks targeting U.S. military bases in the region.
Passengers departing Nigeria on Qatar Airways said they were asked to disembark after authorities cited the closure of airspace in Doha.
“The airport in Doha is not responding. I don’t understand what that means,” one passenger said, expressing frustration over the disruption.
In a statement, Qatar Airways said it had temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha due to airspace restrictions, citing passenger and crew safety as its top priority.
Air India also announced the suspension of all flights to Middle Eastern destinations, saying the decision was based on the “developing situation” in the region.
The International Airlines Operators Committee confirmed that airlines were canceling outbound flights as a precaution.
“It is an unfortunate situation. In aviation, safety comes first, and airlines cannot take risks when conditions are uncertain,” said committee chairman Damilola Ogunyeye.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said the disruptions were affecting international operations, with several flights delayed or canceled as airlines reroute to avoid conflict zones. It advised passengers to contact airlines for updates.
The Nigerian government warned citizens in Iran and neighboring Gulf countries to remain vigilant. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the situation remained “evolving and volatile” and urged Nigerians to avoid sensitive locations, restrict movement and comply with local safety directives.
The ministry added that Nigerian embassies in Tehran and Gulf countries had been directed to provide consular support.
The escalation follows strikes by the United States and Israel on multiple locations in Iran, including the capital, Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as “major combat operations.”
Iran has responded with missile attacks targeting northern Israel and U.S. military positions across the Middle East. Casualty figures and the extent of damage remain unclear.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, may have been killed in the strikes, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed the claim.
Analysts and former diplomats warned that the conflict could drive up global oil prices and disrupt international markets.
Former Nigerian Ambassador Mohammed Mabdul said tensions in the region could affect oil supplies, noting that a significant share of global crude passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
“If that passage is disrupted, oil prices will rise significantly,” he said.
Former Ambassador Godknows Igali warned that continued escalation could trigger a broader regional conflict, citing increased military deployments in the Gulf.
He also noted that many Nigerians living and working in the region could be affected if hostilities intensify.
Former Ambassador Yemi Faronbi said while higher oil prices could boost Nigeria’s revenue, the broader instability could outweigh any short-term gains.
Security analyst Abdulrazaq Hamzat urged Nigeria to rethink its non-aligned foreign policy, arguing that shifting global alliances require a more strategic approach to national interests.
As tensions persist, flight disruptions and uncertainty across the region continue to affect travelers and raise concerns about wider economic and security consequences.
