Title: Middle East Crisis Grounds Flights as Nigeria Announces Disruptions to Regional Air Travel Date Published: 01 March 2026 Description: The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced disruptions to flights between Nigeria and several Middle East destinations following widespread airspace closures triggered by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.In a statement issued on Saturday via its official social media platforms, FAAN said the closures were already affecting flight operations to and from the region.“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the travelling public that ongoing airspace closures in parts of the Middle East are currently impacting flight operations,” the statement read. “As a result, flights scheduled to Middle East destinations from Nigerian airports, including those operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways, have been cancelled or delayed.”FAAN advised affected passengers to contact their respective airlines for updated information on flight status, rebooking options and other guidance, adding that it was working closely with aviation authorities and airline operators to monitor developments and issue updates as necessary.The disruptions follow a wave of military strikes on Saturday by the United States and Israel on targets in Iranian cities, which reportedly caused explosions and thick plumes of smoke over Tehran. In response, several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, announced partial or total closures of their airspace.The crisis has also forced major international carriers such as Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Air India to suspend or cancel flights across parts of the Middle East.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a security advisory to Nigerians living in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries, citing escalating hostilities.In a press release signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government said it was “closely monitoring the evolving and volatile situation in the Middle East, particularly the military action reportedly undertaken by Israel and the United States against targets in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran on targets in some Gulf countries.”Nigerians in affected areas were advised to remain vigilant, avoid strategic and military locations, limit non-essential movement and strictly adhere to directives issued by local authorities.The ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, as well as missions in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, had been placed on high alert to provide consular assistance where necessary.The Federal Government reiterated that the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority and called on all parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate tensions in the interest of regional and global peace. Attached Images: 299b30f19a1ff72b2b232710f7786fd0afa93351b1fd62da15760bebe6f3446a.jpg Attached Video: None