FAAN Advises Passengers Amid Middle-East Airspace Closures

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a travel advisory following ongoing airspace closures in parts of the Middle-East, which have disrupted flights to and from the region.

In a statement released to journalists on Saturday, FAAN said several flights to destinations in the Middle-East, including services operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways, have been cancelled or delayed.

“Passengers affected by these disruptions are strongly advised to contact their respective airlines directly for up-to-date information on flight status, rebooking options, and further guidance,” the authority said.

FAAN added that it continues to monitor the situation in collaboration with relevant aviation authorities and airline operators and will provide updates as necessary. The Authority also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and thanked travellers for their understanding and cooperation.

The advisory follows an earlier announcement by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates, which temporarily partially closed its airspace. Regional reports indicate the move was a precautionary measure to safeguard the UAE’s territory amid “challenging security developments.”

“The exceptional measure was taken to ensure the safety of flights, passengers, and aircrew across the UAE,” the reports said.

Industry analysts note that such closures can have ripple effects on international flight schedules, affecting ticket availability, connecting flights, and cargo movements. FAAN’s advisory underscores the need for travellers to maintain close contact with airlines for accurate updates.