Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala’s flight to Saudi Arabia returns mid-journey amid rising Middle East security tensions. She shares ordeal online

Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has shared her frustration after her flight to Saudi Arabia was forced to return mid-air due to escalating security concerns in the Middle East.

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The Nigerian striker, returning from a vacation in the United States, revealed that the aircraft had been airborne for nearly three hours and was close to its destination when authorities ordered it back because the airport had been shut down.

Oshoala, who is observing Ramadan, shared her ordeal on social media while stranded at the airport.

The disruption comes amid a wider aviation crisis caused by ongoing military strikes and retaliatory attacks across parts of the Middle East since late February 2026.

Countries including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates have closed or heavily restricted airspace, forcing multiple international flights to cancel or divert.

Major Saudi hubs such as King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah have tried to maintain limited operations.

However, heightened security protocols and regional instability have caused widespread travel disruptions.

The situation escalated further on March 2 following a drone strike on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, prompting additional flight diversions and increased security alerts across the Kingdom.

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Fans and followers expressed concern for Oshoala, as the incident highlights the challenges faced by travelers amid rising tensions in the region.