Some Middle East-bound flights from Nigeria have been disrupted following escalating tensions in the region, leading to widespread airspace closures and suspension of operations by major international airlines.

On Saturday morning, Iran launched reprisal attacks on United States military bases in the Middle East, with multiple explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The action followed a joint missile strike by the US and Israel on Iran.

The development forced the United Arab Emirates to shut its airspace, while Qatar Airways suspended all flights. Dubai airports also reportedly halted operations indefinitely amid the growing security concerns.

Findings show that Nigerian passengers scheduled to travel with Qatar Airways from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were unable to depart as scheduled. Affected passengers were subsequently provided with hotel accommodation.

One of the stranded travellers disclosed that flight QR1432 from Abuja (ABV) to Doha (DOH), originally scheduled for Friday, February 27, was delayed and expected to arrive at 19:09hrs on February 28. The passenger added that his connecting flight, QR976 from Doha to Hanoi (HAN), scheduled for 01:50hrs on Sunday, March 1, had been cancelled.

Further checks revealed that flight QR1408 from Lagos (LOS) to Doha (DOH), scheduled to depart at 12:00hrs and arrive at 20:20hrs, was also delayed.

Confirming the disruptions, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said ongoing airspace closures in parts of the Middle East were affecting flight operations to and from the region.

In a travel advisory, FAAN stated that flights from Nigerian airports to Middle East destinations, including those operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways, had either been cancelled or delayed.

“As a result of these developments, flights scheduled to Middle East destinations from Nigerian airports, including Emirates and Qatar Airways have been cancelled or delayed,” the authority said.

FAAN advised affected passengers to contact their respective airlines directly for up-to-date information regarding flight status, rebooking options, and further guidance.

Data from flightaware.com indicated that about 515 flights originating from Dubai were cancelled on Saturday, while approximately 400 inbound flights were also disrupted as of 8:59 pm local time.

International flights suspended/cancelled

Several global carriers have also announced temporary suspension of operations to and from parts of the Middle East.

Ethiopian Airlines cancelled flights to Amman, Tel Aviv, Dammam, and Beirut, citing security concerns. The airline said it would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Emirates also announced a temporary suspension of operations to and from Dubai due to multiple regional airspace closures, as tensions continue to heighten across the region.