Nigerian passengers heading to or transiting through Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have been left stranded as airspace closures ripple across the Middle East following fresh military strikes.

Major carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa, announced mass cancellations after Iran retaliated against US-linked targets in the region.

Airspace across parts of the Gulf was shut after the US and Israel struck multiple locations in Iran, including Tehran, prompting missile counterattacks targeting Israel and US military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

Passengers onboard a Qatar Airways flight from Nigeria were deboarded Saturday morning after being informed that Doha’s airspace had been closed, abruptly halting onward connections.

“I had planned so many things around this trip. Suddenly, they said the airport in Doha is not responding,” one frustrated traveller said, questioning why rerouting was not arranged.

Another passenger lamented that the disruption could derail a relative’s return to school, describing the situation as “really painful.”

Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha, citing safety as its highest priority, while Air India halted all Middle East operations.

Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, Damilola Ogunyeye, said airlines were unwilling to “take any risk,” stressing that aviation safety leaves no margin for uncertainty during military escalation.

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, Yinka Folami, confirmed that passengers were being turned back from departure points as carriers scrambled to adjust routes.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria warned that ongoing airspace restrictions were disrupting international operations, advising travellers to liaise directly with airlines for updates and rebooking options.

US President Donald Trump described the strikes on Iran as “major combat operations” following failed negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes, escalating tensions that have now spilled directly into civilian air travel.

With missiles exchanged and airspaces sealed, thousands of passengers, including Nigerians, remain caught in a geopolitical showdown far beyond their control.