Air travel between Nigeria and Qatar may soon face serious disruptions following Qatar’s decision to temporarily close its airspace amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the shutdown as a safety measure in response to rising regional instability. This follows Iran’s warning to retaliate against the United States after recent airstrikes on its nuclear sites.
Although no official message has been sent yet by Qatar Airways to Nigerian travel agencies, aviation experts say disruptions are expected. Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Lagos and Abuja, and several weekly flights to Kano, making it a key airline for Nigerian travelers heading to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
“This will definitely affect flights from Nigeria,” said Bankole Bernard, Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, a major travel company in Nigeria. “We haven’t received a formal notice from Qatar Airways yet, but we expect it soon. Many international airlines are already avoiding Qatari airspace.”
He warned that the security risks in the region make it a difficult time for air travel. “Someone can get on a plane and blow it up. It’s a tough time to fly,” Bernard added.
Qatar’s foreign ministry clarified that while there is no specific threat on the ground, the airspace closure is a precaution to protect residents, visitors, and air traffic.
Qatar is home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the region, and plays a strategic role in Middle East affairs. The current security concerns have prompted universities in Qatar to send students home and led to ongoing travel reviews by the US and UK governments.
Flight tracking websites have already begun to show aircraft diverting around Qatar’s airspace. Hamad International Airport in Doha is one of the world’s busiest airports for international travel, handling around 140,000 passengers daily.
Travelers from Nigeria with plans to fly via Qatar are advised to stay in touch with airlines and travel agents for the latest updates.
