Middle East–bound flights from Nigeria have been significantly disrupted following the suspension and rerouting of international air services by major global airlines amid rising military tensions in the region.
Gatekeepers News reports that the disruptions come after heightened hostilities between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other, which triggered widespread security concerns and led to the temporary closure of several airspaces across the Middle East.
According to reports, key transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, and Riyadh experienced major operational interruptions, forcing airlines to cancel, delay, or divert flights. As a result, Nigerian passengers travelling to the Middle East, Asia, and Europe via these hubs have been stranded or had their flights rescheduled.
Several international carriers, including major European and Gulf airlines, announced temporary suspension of flights into parts of the Middle East, citing safety risks and rapidly changing security conditions. Airlines said the decision was taken to protect passengers, crew members, and aircraft as the conflict escalated.
The airspace disruptions followed coordinated missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which prompted swift retaliatory attacks by Tehran on military bases and strategic locations across Gulf countries. Explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Kuwait City, and Riyadh, triggering immediate air traffic restrictions.
In Nigeria, travel agencies confirmed widespread cancellations and flight rescheduling, with passengers urged to regularly check flight status and maintain close contact with their airlines. Some travellers were reportedly stranded at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after airlines suspended departures at short notice.
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and aviation stakeholders advised travellers to exercise patience, follow official travel advisories, and avoid non-essential journeys to affected regions until stability is restored.
