Nigerian travellers demand airline refunds Middle East conflict after flight disruptions by Emirates and Qatar Airways left passengers stranded

Passengers in Nigeria affected by flight disruptions caused by the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have intensified calls for refunds from international carriers, particularly Emirates and Qatar Airways.

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The disruption followed the temporary closure of parts of Middle East airspace as the regional conflict escalated, leaving several travellers stranded and uncertain about their journeys.

Many affected passengers said their refund requests had yet to be processed weeks after the suspension of some flight operations.

Investigations revealed that numerous travellers had booked flights with Emirates and Qatar Airways before the airlines adjusted their schedules due to the restrictions affecting the Middle East corridor.

Travel agents who spoke anonymously said they had submitted multiple refund applications on behalf of their clients but had received little response so far.

Although Emirates has since announced the resumption of limited Dubai to Lagos flights, requests for compensation have continued to rise as frustrated travellers seek clarity over their funds.

Earlier reports indicated that passengers had struggled to secure refunds since hostilities between Israel and Iran resurfaced, forcing airlines to alter their operational schedules across the region.

Several of the stranded travellers were reportedly heading to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj pilgrimage when the crisis intensified.

Others were travelling abroad for business engagements, medical appointments, and other commitments.

Some passengers said they had repeatedly visited airline offices to follow up on their refund requests but had yet to receive their money.

A source familiar with the situation at Emirates said the airline had assured stakeholders that efforts were under way to accelerate the refund process.

In a memo issued to trade partners, the carrier urged travellers to explore available travel alternatives while monitoring developments.

“Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. The latest flight updates will be published on our website,” the memo stated.

One affected passenger, Muhammed, said he had instructed his travel agent to request a refund immediately after the airline suspended operations, but the process had stalled.

“I know it will be difficult to get that refund, and that was why I requested my refund through my agent from the first day, but up until now our efforts have not paid off,” he said in a telephone interview.

Another passenger, Foluke Adedayo, warned that she might pursue legal action if the situation remained unresolved.

“I have requested a refund, and that should be immediate because we weren’t responsible for the aborted trip,” Adedayo said.

“If they continue to hold back my money after submitting a refund request, I may be left with no other option than to head to court.”

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, Yinka Folami, confirmed that refund requests from travellers using Middle Eastern routes had increased sharply in recent weeks.

However, Folami urged passengers to remain patient, noting that many refund cases had been processed successfully.

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“Yes, there has been a call for refunds and from my experience the airlines have been quite cooperative and fair,” he said, adding that travellers also had the option to reschedule or explore alternative flight arrangements.