Nigerians travelling to and from Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have been left stranded as escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupt air travel across the Middle East.

The unfolding crisis has forced several international airlines—including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian, Air Algérie, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa—to cancel or suspend flights on multiple routes.

Tensions spiked after airstrikes on Iran were followed by retaliatory attacks on US military facilities in parts of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, prompting widespread airspace closures.

Passengers scheduled to depart Nigeria on Qatar Airways flights were stopped from travelling on Saturday, with many already checked in or seated onboard before being asked to disembark.

Findings showed that flights across large parts of the Middle East were grounded as several countries closed their airspaces amid the intensifying exchanges between the US, Israel and Iran.

Aviation authorities said Syria shut portions of its southern airspace along the Israeli border for 12 hours, while Jordan’s air force conducted defensive drills to secure its skies. Kuwait also closed its airspace, later confirming that its military had intercepted incoming missiles.

Russia’s air transport authority, Rosaviatsia, announced the suspension of all commercial flights to Israel and Iran until further notice.

Passengers caught in the disruption

Passengers affected by the cancellations described scenes of confusion and frustration.

Air India announced the suspension of all flights to Middle Eastern destinations, citing the deteriorating security environment.

The Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, Damilola Ogunyeye, confirmed that airlines operating outbound services from Nigeria had begun cancelling flights in response to airspace closures in the conflict zones.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) warned that the restrictions were affecting international flight operations to and from Nigeria.

According to the agency, several scheduled flights linking Nigerian airports with Middle Eastern destinations have been cancelled or delayed as airlines reroute to avoid conflict zones. FAAN advised passengers to stay in close contact with their airlines for updates on flight status, rebooking options and further guidance.

FG issues advisory to Nigerians in affected regions

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has issued a security advisory to Nigerians residing in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries.

In a statement on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government was closely monitoring the “evolving and volatile situation in the Middle East.”

The ministry warned that the heightened tension could escalate further and urged Nigerians in affected areas to exercise caution, avoid strategic or sensitive locations, restrict non-essential movement, and comply strictly with local security directives.

“Cooperation with local law enforcement is paramount to ensuring safety,” the statement said.