By Juliet Ezeh
Some Nigerian travellers affected by flight disruptions linked to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East have threatened legal action over delays in processing refunds from international airlines.
Passengers who booked flights with Emirates and Qatar Airways said they had waited weeks for their money to be returned after the airlines suspended certain operations due to airspace restrictions across parts of the region.
The restrictions followed the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which forced several airlines to adjust flight schedules along key Middle Eastern travel corridors.
Many of the affected travellers, including Nigerians heading to religious, business and medical engagements abroad, said they were left stranded after their flights were halted.
One of the passengers, identified as Muhammed, said he initiated a refund request through his travel agent immediately after the airline suspended the scheduled flight but had yet to receive any payment.
According to him, the delay has made it difficult to make alternative travel arrangements.
Another passenger, Foluke Adedayo, warned that she might pursue legal action if the airline fails to refund her ticket.
She argued that although the disruption may have been beyond the airline’s control, customers should not be made to bear the financial burden for cancelled trips.
Industry operators also confirmed that refund requests from Nigerian passengers travelling through Middle Eastern routes have increased significantly since the disruptions began.
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, Yinka Folami, acknowledged the rise in refund applications but advised travellers to remain patient.
Folami explained that while refund demands had increased, airlines were generally cooperative in processing legitimate claims, though some cases might take time depending on the booking arrangements and ticket conditions.
He also noted that passengers still have options such as rescheduling flights or exploring alternative travel routes instead of waiting solely for refunds.
Meanwhile, airlines continue to monitor developments in the Middle East while gradually adjusting operations where possible as the security situation in the region evolves.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.