Hundreds of Nigerians travelling to or from parts of the Middle East have been left stranded following the escalation of hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Travellers heading to destinations such as Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates faced sudden disruptions after several countries shut their airspace in response to ongoing airstrikes and retaliatory attacks.
Major international carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France and Turkish Airlines, announced widespread flight cancellations as tensions intensified across the region.
Passengers scheduled to travel through Doha reported being deboarded after being informed that Qatari airspace had been closed. Many described the situation as distressing, with travel plans abruptly halted and no clear timeline for resumption.
Airlines said the safety of passengers and crew remained their top priority, stressing that operations would only resume once conditions were deemed secure.
Regional airspace closures followed fresh exchanges of attacks. After airstrikes on targets in Iran, Tehran reportedly launched retaliatory missile strikes aimed at northern Israel and US military bases in several Gulf countries.
Aviation authorities across the region responded swiftly. Syria partially shut its southern airspace, while Kuwait temporarily closed its skies. Russia’s aviation regulator suspended commercial flights to both Israel and Iran until further notice.
In Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria warned that the situation was affecting international flight operations. The agency advised passengers to stay in close contact with their airlines for updates on cancellations, delays and rebooking options.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a safety advisory to Nigerians living in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states, urging them to remain vigilant, avoid sensitive or strategic locations, and comply with local security directives. Nigerian embassies in Tehran and other Gulf capitals have been placed on alert to provide consular support if necessary.
Meanwhile, speculation has intensified over the fate of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, following claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he may have been killed in the strikes. US President Donald Trump also suggested that major Iranian targets had been hit, though Tehran has not confirmed the extent of casualties.
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Beyond the immediate security concerns, former Nigerian diplomats have warned that the conflict could have serious global economic consequences. They noted that any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz — a key oil shipping route — could drive crude prices sharply higher, affecting energy markets worldwide.
While higher oil prices could temporarily boost Nigeria’s revenues as an oil-producing nation, experts cautioned that prolonged instability would create broader economic uncertainty and complicate international trade.
As the crisis unfolds, many Nigerians with business, education and family ties across the Middle East remain in limbo, hoping for a swift de-escalation that will allow flights — and normal life — to resume.
