Nigerian Travelers Stranded as Airlines Cancel Middle East Flights

Following escalating tensions between the United States, Iran, and Israel, multiple airlines have canceled flights to the Middle East, leaving many Nigerians stranded. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reported that airlines, including Qatar Airways and Air India, suspended flights due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

Passengers scheduled to travel via Qatar Airways were informed on Saturday morning that they could not proceed, as the airline announced the temporary suspension of flights. The situation arose after the U.S. military conducted airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory attacks on U.S. military bases in the region.

Damilola Ogunyey, chairman of the International Airline Operators Committee, confirmed that outbound flights began to be canceled following the airspace closures. The Nigerian government warned that ongoing restrictions would affect international flight operations, leading to significant disruptions in travel plans for many passengers.