Some Middle East-bound flights from Nigeria have been cancelled as international air travel continues to suffer massive disruptions due to rising tensions in destinations in the region.
On Saturday morning, Iran launched reprisal attacks on the United States military bases in the Middle East, with multiple explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, and Kuwait, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The attack followed a joint missile strike by the US and Israel on Iran.
The development forced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to close its airspace, with Qatar Airways suspending all flights and Dubai airports shutting down operations indefinitely.
TheCable understands that Nigerian passengers scheduled to fly with Qatar Airways from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja were unable to depart and have been provided hotel accommodation.
According to one of the affected travellers, flight QR1432 from Abuja (ABV) to Doha (DOH), scheduled for Friday, February 27, was delayed and was expected to arrive at 19:09hrs on February 28.
The passenger said his connecting flight, QR976 from Doha to Hanoi (HAN), scheduled to depart at 01:50hrs on Sunday, March 1, has been cancelled.
Further checks also show that flight QR1408 from Lagos (LOS) to Doha (DOH), scheduled to depart at 12:00hrs and arrive at 20:20hrs, has been delayed.
Confirming the flight disruptions, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said ongoing airspace closures in parts of the Middle East are disrupting flight operations to and from the region.
In a travel advisory, the FAAN said flights scheduled to destinations in the region from Nigerian airports have been cancelled or delayed as a result of the developments.
“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.
“Passengers affected by these disruptions are strongly advised to contact their respective airlines directly for up-to-date information on flight status, rebooking options, and further guidance.”
According to data from flightaware.com, about 515 flights originating from Dubai on Saturday were cancelled, while about 400 flights scheduled for the destination were also disrupted as at 8.59 pm local time.
Several global airlines have also announced temporary suspensions of operations to and from the Middle East on X.
Ethiopian Airlines cancelled flights to Amman, Tel Aviv, Dammam, and Beirut, citing security concerns.
The airline said it would continue to monitor developments and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers and crew.
Emirates temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai due to multiple regional airspace closures.
Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.
Emirates urges customers to check https://t.co/Ucm3UswfVh and https://t.co/yehFUeWZQq for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
“We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused, and we are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements,” the airline said.
Saudia also announced that certain flights have been suspended or cancelled in line with aviation safety and security standards.
SriLankan Airlines cancelled all flights from Colombo to the Middle East until 12pm on March 1, 2026, affecting destinations including Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, Dammam, and Riyadh.
RwandAir suspended flights WB300/WB303 and WB304/WB305 to and from Doha and Dubai, allowing affected passengers to reschedule for a later date.
Similarly, Air Arabia temporarily suspended flights to and from the UAE, saying operations would resume once the airspace reopens.
Air India cancelled all flights to the Middle East until March 1, 2026.
“The safety and security of our passengers, crew and aircraft remain our highest priority,” the airline said.
“We will continue to assess the situation and take appropriate operational decisions as necessary. Affected passengers are being informed, and our teams are providing all required assistance to our passengers, including rebooking and refunds.”
Etihad Airways suspended departures from Abu Dhabi until 2pm (UAE time) on March 1 and cancelled arrivals scheduled before that time, noting that services after the deadline are expected to operate subject to conditions.
Oman Air suspended flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam and Kuwait, and cancelled flights to Moscow, Amman and Khasab until further notice, while warning passengers to expect delays on other routes.
Kuwait Airways said all inbound and outbound flights have been postponed and will be rescheduled in the interest of passenger and aircraft safety.
Kenya Airways announced the temporary suspension of flights to Dubai and Sharjah following the UAE airspace closure, cancelling KQ310, KQ311, KQ304, KQ305 and freighter services to the UAE.
Meanwhile, Dubai Airports confirmed that operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central- Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice.
“Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights,” the operator said.
Airlines said they are closely monitoring the situation, with promises to resume operations once safe flight corridors become available.
