FAAN flight disruptions hit Middle East routes after regional airspace closures linked to US and Israeli strikes on Iran

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced significant flight disruptions affecting travel between Nigerian airports and several Middle East destinations following widespread airspace closures triggered by military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran.

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The development was disclosed in a public statement issued on Saturday by FAAN management through its official communication channels, confirming that ongoing restrictions across parts of the Middle East were already disrupting scheduled international flight operations.

According to the authority, the FAAN flight disruptions have resulted in cancellations and delays involving major carriers operating from Nigeria, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, as aviation authorities across the region imposed safety restrictions.

FAAN advised affected passengers to contact their respective airlines for updated flight schedules, rebooking arrangements and travel guidance, noting that the situation remains fluid.

The airspace shutdown followed reports of coordinated military strikes that caused explosions and heavy smoke over Tehran, prompting Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to announce partial or complete closure of their airspace.

Several global airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Air India, subsequently suspended or rerouted flights across affected corridors, intensifying disruptions to international travel.

In response to the escalating crisis, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a security advisory urging Nigerians residing in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states to exercise heightened caution.

In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government said it was closely monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation arising from military actions and reported retaliatory developments within the region.

The ministry advised Nigerian citizens abroad to avoid military or strategic locations, limit non-essential movement and comply fully with directives issued by host authorities.

Diplomatic missions, including the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and consular offices in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have been placed on alert to provide assistance where necessary.

The Federal Government reiterated that the protection of Nigerian nationals overseas remains a top priority while calling on all parties involved in the conflict to pursue urgent de-escalation in the interest of regional stability and global peace.

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FAAN stated that it would continue monitoring developments in collaboration with international aviation regulators and airline operators, promising timely updates as conditions evolve.