Hundreds of Nigerian Muslims preparing to perform Umrah have been stranded after disruptions to flight services across the Middle East triggered by the ongoing tensions involving the United States Israel and Iran.
The affected pilgrims who had earlier obtained visas and paid for flights and accommodation in Mecca and Medina were expected to leave Nigeria between March 4 and March 6.
However several international airlines suspended flights to the region because of rising tensions leaving many pilgrims unable to travel.
The disruption has led to millions of naira in financial losses for both prospective pilgrims and travel agents.
The crisis came after military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran under an operation known as “Operation Epic Fury,” which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran later launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes code-named “Truthful Promise 4,” targeting US bases and allied facilities across parts of the Middle East.
As the conflict intensified several countries including Iran Iraq Israel Syria Qatar Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates partially shut their airspace.
Major airlines subsequently halted or cancelled flights further disrupting travel plans for many pilgrims hoping to perform Umrah during the Ramadan season.
