Nigerian travelers are facing major disruptions after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks and the closure of several Middle Eastern airspaces.
Flights to and from countries including Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have been grounded. Airlines affected include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian, Air Algérie, and Lufthansa, many of which announced mass cancellations.
Following the initial airstrikes, Iran retaliated by targeting US military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Passengers attempting to fly out of Nigeria via Qatar Airways on Saturday reported being deboarded as the airline cited a closure of Doha airspace.
One traveler told reporters, “I had planned so many things around this trip. Suddenly, they announced that the airport in Doha is not responding… This situation is really painful.” Another added that family obligations and school schedules were disrupted.
Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights due to the airspace closure, stressing passenger safety as the top priority. Air India also suspended all flights to Middle Eastern destinations.
Damilola Ogunyeye, Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, said the cancellations were necessary to maintain safety, warning that passenger confidence in air travel could be affected. Similarly, Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, described the situation as unfortunate but unavoidable given the heightened risks.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said ongoing restrictions are impacting international flight operations and urged passengers to communicate directly with airlines for updates. FAAN emphasized it was working closely with international aviation regulators to ensure safety.
The US and Israel have reportedly conducted multiple strikes across Iran, including Tehran, following stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Iran has since launched missile attacks against northern Israel and US bases across the region. Casualty details remain unclear.
The Nigerian government has warned its citizens residing in Iran and neighboring Gulf states to exercise caution, avoid sensitive areas, and follow local security directives. Embassies in affected countries are providing consular support.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, may have been killed during the strikes, a claim echoed by former US President Donald Trump and reported by international media. Iran has not confirmed the reports.
Former Nigerian ambassadors have cautioned that the escalating conflict could spike global oil prices and destabilize regional security. Mohammed Mabdul noted the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any disruption could have serious economic consequences. Former Ambassador Godknows Igali urged urgent multilateral diplomacy, highlighting the potential impact on Nigerians working across the region.
Experts also called for a reassessment of Nigeria’s long-standing non-aligned foreign policy. Abdulrazaq Hamzat argued that neutrality may no longer safeguard national interests and urged a more strategic, interest-driven diplomatic approach to protect Nigeria’s security, trade, and energy partnerships.