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Travel Chaos Hits Nigerians As Qatar Airways, Emirates Suspend Flights Amid War Fears
Nigerians travelling to or from Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have been stranded due to escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The conflict prompted several international airlines—including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian, Air Algérie, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa—to suspend flights en masse.
The disruption followed U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, which triggered retaliatory attacks by Iran on U.S. military bases across Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Passengers scheduled to depart Nigeria via Qatar Airways on Saturday morning were prevented from flying. Some who had already boarded flights were asked to disembark after the airline announced that Doha’s airspace had been closed.
One passenger told Sunday Punch, “I had planned so many things around this trip. Suddenly, they announced that the airport in Doha is not responding. I’m wondering if they can reroute us through another destination. This situation is really painful.”
Another said, “Only God knows when my sister will be able to return to school. We understand this is a serious situation, but it’s heartbreaking.”
Reports indicate widespread flight cancellations across several Middle Eastern countries on Saturday as airspaces were closed amid ongoing attacks and counterattacks.
Qatar Airways announced a temporary suspension, stating, “The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.” Air India also halted all Middle East flights via its account, citing the developing situation.
Kuwait closed its airspace, while Syria reportedly shut part of its southern airspace along the Israel border for 12 hours. Russia’s Rosaviatsia authority also suspended all commercial flights to Israel and Iran until further notice.
The Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, Damilola Ogunyeye, confirmed that outbound airlines were canceling flights due to airspace closures, noting, “It’s an unfortunate situation. Safety comes first in aviation; airlines cannot take risks amid escalating conflict.”
Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents, added, “Qatar Airways asked passengers to disembark and return home because the airspaces are unsafe. Safety is paramount.”
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued an advisory confirming that ongoing restrictions are affecting international flight operations to and from the country. Passengers are urged to contact their airlines for updated information on flight status, rebooking options, and guidance.
The crisis began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian cities, including Tehran, in what President Donald Trump called “major combat operations.” Iran has since launched missile attacks on northern Israel and U.S. military bases, intensifying tensions and disrupting air travel globally.
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