Airlines Lose N7.5bn as Israel–Iran Conflict Grounds Flights

International airlines flying between Nigeria and the Middle East have lost more than ₦7.5bn in revenue after escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran forced widespread airspace closures and grounded flights.

Findings showed that Emirates and Qatar Airways, which operate daily services from Lagos to Dubai and Doha, were unable to fly as hostilities intensified, leaving aircraft stranded and passengers disrupted.

Emirates had planned to deploy its Boeing 777-300ER (354–360 seats), while Qatar Airways scheduled its Boeing 787-800 (210–250 seats). Combined, about 560 passengers per rotation were affected.

Using conservative fare estimates — ₦1.3m for Qatar Airways and $1,380 (₦1.9m) for Emirates — the airlines are projected to have lost ₦7.53bn between Saturday and Tuesday.

Passengers expressed frustration over missed business and personal engagements. One stranded traveller, Dare Olanihun, said: “Tears dropped from my eyes when we were asked to disembark on Saturday evening. This trip would have impacted my professional life greatly.”

The crisis followed US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iranian missile retaliation against Israel and US bases in Bahrain and the UAE.

Several countries, including Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, and Russia, imposed airspace restrictions, compounding disruptions.

The impact extended to airport catering services, which had benefited from a directive requiring foreign airlines to patronise local caterers.

With flights suspended, caterers reported losses and food wastage, while some expressed personal concerns for relatives in affected countries.