Why Were At Least 17 Dubai–Iran Flights Suddenly Cancelled? Are Tehran Protests and a Nationwide Internet Blackout Disrupting Regional Travel?

Why are flights between Dubai and Iran being abruptly cancelled—and what does it reveal about the growing unrest inside the Islamic Republic? At least 17 Flydubai flights scheduled for Friday between Dubai and major Iranian cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad, were called off without prior notice, raising alarm among passengers and underscoring the widening impact of Iran’s escalating political crisis.

Data published on the Dubai Airports website confirmed the cancellations, showing multiple outbound and inbound routes affected. The disruption comes as Iran faces intensifying nationwide protests and a near-total internet blackout, reportedly imposed by authorities in an effort to restrict communication and contain the spread of demonstrations.

Iran has been gripped by widespread unrest since late December, driven by worsening economic conditions, soaring inflation, and deepening hardship for ordinary citizens. What began as localized protests has rapidly expanded across several cities, prompting a heavy security response from the government. Observers say the communication shutdown reflects growing concern within the Iranian authorities over the speed at which information—and dissent—is spreading.

A Flydubai spokesperson confirmed that all scheduled flights to Iran on Friday were cancelled, stating that the airline would “continue to monitor the situation” and adjust operations as needed. However, no specific reasons were publicly provided, leaving travelers uncertain about safety conditions, regulatory restrictions, and how long the disruption might last.

The cancellations were not limited to Flydubai. Turkish media reported that Turkish Airlines cancelled at least 17 flights to Iranian destinations, while Ajet reportedly suspended six flights. Pegasus Airlines was also said to have cancelled several routes. In the Gulf region, at least two flights between Doha and Tehran were reportedly cancelled, according to updates from Hamad International Airport.

The wave of suspensions points to a broader regional response to instability inside Iran. Airlines are increasingly forced to weigh passenger safety, operational risks, and regulatory uncertainty as protests grow and communication channels remain restricted.

The key question remains: Are these flight cancellations a temporary precaution—or an early sign of deeper regional disruption tied to Iran’s internal crisis? For travelers, airlines, and neighboring countries, the unfolding situation highlights how domestic unrest in one nation can quickly ripple across international transport, commerce, and security.

As protests persist and the blackout continues, aviation disruptions may expand further, signaling that Iran’s political turmoil is no longer confined within its borders but is now reshaping regional connectivity in real time.

EFCC Arraigns Austrian National Over Undeclared $800,585 and €651,505 at Lagos Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Austrian national Kavlak Onal for allegedly failing to declare large sums of foreign currency at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Onal was intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service while attempting to travel to Dubai, with $800,585 and €651,505 in his possession, reportedly concealed and undeclared. He was subsequently handed over to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution.

The Head of the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section, ACE II Adejumo Richard, commended the Customs Service for their cooperation in the arrest, emphasizing the importance of synergy between security agencies in combating financial crimes.

This incident follows previous cases involving undeclared foreign currencies at Nigerian airports, including the interception of $6.1 million from passengers suspected to be couriers for politically exposed persons (PEPs).

The EFCC continues to intensify efforts against financial crimes, highlighting its commitment to enforcing compliance with Nigeria’s foreign currency declaration laws.


#EFCC #FinancialCrime #NigeriaSecurity”

Passenger Boat Capsizes on Way to Abonnema in Rivers State, Panic Ensues as Commuters Rescued by Nearby Operators; No Casualties Reported

A passenger boat traveling to Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State capsized, causing panic among passengers mid-journey. Eyewitnesses confirmed that all occupants were safely rescued by nearby boat operators, preventing a potential disaster. The swift intervention of fellow river transport workers ensured that no lives were lost. This incident recalls a tragic boat mishap in October on the River Niger in Kogi State, which left many feared dead and several missing. Authorities continue to emphasize safety on waterways, as such accidents highlight the vulnerability of commuters to sudden riverine emergencies.

#RiversState #BoatCapsize #Abonnema #RiverSafety #WaterTransport #EmergencyRescue

Lagos Bus-Truck Collision Along Oshodi–Oke Corridor Leaves Two Critically Injured

A serious road accident occurred early Saturday along the Heritage Garden inward Oshodi–Oke corridor in Lagos, involving a red Tata commercial bus (MUS 507 XX) and a moving truck that fled the scene. Two passengers were trapped in the mangled bus and rescued by LASTMA officers, who immediately activated emergency response protocols.

The injured victims were attended to on-site by LASAMBUS before being transported to a medical facility. The bus driver has been apprehended for investigation, and the damaged vehicle was cleared to restore traffic flow. LASTMA emphasized that speeding was the likely cause and urged motorists to drive responsibly to prevent avoidable accidents.

Deadly Bandit Attacks in Zamfara and Niger States Kill Dozens, Abduct Travellers, Women Raped

A series of violent bandit attacks across Zamfara and Niger states have left scores dead, with travellers abducted and vehicles set ablaze. On Friday, gunmen attacked commuters along the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo road in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara, burning two vehicles and abducting all passengers.

On Saturday night, bandits raided Hayin Kastinawa in Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara, reportedly raping married women and abducting at least 15 teenage girls. Separately, Kasuwar Daji community in Borgu LGA, Niger State, was attacked, leaving over 35 people dead.

Disturbing footage shows victims, including a police officer, held captive by armed bandits. The incidents highlight the ongoing insecurity along northern Nigeria’s rural roads and the urgent need for government intervention to protect civilians.

Tragic Boat Capsize in Yobe State Kills 25, 14 Rescued as Search and Rescue Continues

At least 25 people have died in a boat accident in Garin Garbi, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, while 14 others were rescued, according to eyewitnesses. The passenger boat reportedly capsized on Friday, causing multiple fatalities.

Nguru Local Government Chairman, Hon. Muhd M. Ahmed Mairami, visited the scene, offering condolences and assuring affected families of local government support. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security operatives and community volunteers working to locate missing passengers.

The deceased included both men and women, and videos shared on social media show bodies being recovered from the water. Authorities have called for calm and prayers as rescue efforts continue, highlighting the tragedy’s impact on the local community.

BREAKING: Bandits Burn Vehicles and Abduct All Passengers on Danjibga–Kalgo Road in Zamfara

Armed bandits attacked commuters on the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo road in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Friday, burning two vehicles and abducting all passengers onboard. The assailants reportedly blocked the road before the assault, and the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown.

Security alert platform Bakatsine confirmed the incident, highlighting the ongoing insecurity on major roads in Zamfara. This comes days after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion on the Gusau–Magami–Dansadau road, which killed at least eight people. Following that attack, Nigerian security forces, including Police and Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and the Joint Task Force under Operation Fansa-Yamma, cleared the road to ensure safety.

The recent abduction underscores persistent security challenges in the region and raises concerns over the safety of travelers on Zamfara State highways.

Take-It-Back Movement Rescues Lagos-Ibadan Accident Victims, Criticises Police Emergency Response

The Take-It-Back Movement (TIB) rescued passengers from a commercial bus accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway at Lufuwape, after a tyre burst caused the vehicle to somersault. Several passengers were injured, some severely, though no deaths were reported. TIB members intervened immediately, highlighting failures in Nigeria’s emergency response system. Attempts to get assistance from the Divisional Police Officer of Redeemed Police Division initially failed. A medical professional among the rescuers coordinated with emergency services, ensuring the injured were transported to hospital. The group criticised public indifference at the scene and called for improved emergency response mechanisms along major highways, while urging citizens to prioritise empathy and prompt action during accidents.

Air Peace to Refund Stranded Lagos–Jamaica Passengers Following NCAA Intervention

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced that Air Peace has agreed to refund passengers affected by the Lagos–Jamaica travel disruption that left several stranded and deported from Barbados.

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, explained that the issue began during passenger profiling at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where some travelers lacked the required documents for the Lagos–Antigua–Jamaica flight. While 67 passengers were allowed entry into Jamaica, 25 were stopped by immigration for lacking onward tickets, proof of funds, or valid accommodation details.

Air Peace offered refunds initially, but passengers opted to travel to Barbados, a visa-free destination, before returning to Nigeria. Achimugu said the NCAA mediated the dispute, and the airline agreed to issue refunds as a goodwill gesture, while regulatory review and potential sanctions remain ongoing.

The resolution aims to protect the aviation industry’s reputation while ensuring passengers’ rights are upheld.

Bus Crashes into Truck on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Many Feared Dead Days After Anthony Joshua’s Fatal Accident

An 18-seater bus rammed into a truck along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on January 1, 2026, leaving several passengers feared dead and others trapped. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the FRSC confirming the incident. The truck was reportedly attempting a U-turn when the collision occurred.

The accident comes just days after British boxer Anthony Joshua survived a car crash on the same highway that killed two of his team members. Nigerians have expressed growing concern over the road’s safety, citing repeated fatal accidents. Investigations into the cause of the crash and accountability for drivers involved are ongoing.

Anthony Joshua Car Crash: Eyewitness Breaks Silence, Blames Third Vehicle for Fatal Accident That Killed Boxer’s Friends as Nigerians React Online

A Nigerian man who claims to be an eyewitness to the tragic car crash involving heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly, offering his account of how the fatal accident occurred. The crash, which claimed the lives of two people—Sina and Latif Latz, described as close friends of the boxer—has continued to generate intense public debate and speculation across social media.

In a video shared on TikTok and later circulated widely, the eyewitness stated that the driver of Anthony Joshua’s vehicle should not be solely blamed for the incident. According to his account, another vehicle overtook Joshua’s car at high speed moments before the crash and disappeared from the scene. He explained that this sudden overtaking triggered the chain of events that led to Joshua’s vehicle colliding with a truck, suggesting that without the truck, the car might have veered into a gutter instead.

The eyewitness maintained that the unidentified vehicle that overtook them was the real cause of the accident, insisting that the driver and passengers in Joshua’s car were not entirely at fault. His explanation has sparked mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the clarity of his account, while others called for a proper investigation backed by dashcam footage and road surveillance cameras.

Social media users expressed varied opinions, with some arguing that only Anthony Joshua and his driver can give a definitive explanation of what happened, while others criticized the absence of official investigative details from authorities. Several commenters also highlighted the lack of functional road cameras in Nigeria, saying this fuels speculation and conflicting narratives after major accidents.

The incident has renewed public concern over road safety, accountability, and accident investigations in Nigeria. As reactions continue to pour in, many Nigerians are urging law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to establish the true cause of the crash and put lingering doubts to rest.

Many Passengers Feared Dead as Commercial Bus Crashes Into Truck on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on New Year Day, Rescue Operations Ongoing

A fatal road accident occurred on New Year’s Day along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, opposite the NASFAT junction, leaving many passengers trapped and feared dead. The crash involved an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Lagos, which rammed into a truck that was reportedly making a U-turn at the busy section of the highway.

According to eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene, the impact forced the bus to slide underneath the truck, trapping several passengers inside the wreckage while many others were left unconscious. Residents and emergency responders were seen making frantic efforts to rescue victims as operations continued at the scene.

The Ogun State spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, confirmed that the command had been alerted to the incident but said a full report was still being awaited as rescue efforts were ongoing.

The crash has once again raised concerns about road safety on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, particularly during festive periods when traffic volume and reckless driving often increase. The tragedy comes amid growing public anxiety over recurring fatal accidents on Nigerian highways, including a recent night-time crash that killed eight University of Jos students.

As authorities continue rescue and investigation efforts, Nigerians have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, safer road infrastructure, and improved emergency response systems to prevent further loss of lives on major highways.

Six Dead, Four Rescued in Lagos Passenger Boat Accident

Six passengers died and four were rescued after a Savvy Marine passenger boat capsized along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos State. The accident occurred around 8:35 p.m. while the boat was en route from Ilashe Beach House.

Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) responded promptly, coordinating with the Marine Police and first responders. Preliminary reports suggest the boat may have struck a submerged object, though investigations are ongoing.

Authorities urged strict adherence to safety regulations and assured the public of a thorough investigation, offering condolences to the families of the victims.

18 Persons Including Children Confirmed Dead in Tragic Jigawa Road Crash After Tyre Burst Sparks Multiple-Vehicle Collision on Dutse–Kwanar Babaldu Highway

At least 18 people, including children, have been confirmed dead following a devastating road traffic accident along the Dutse–Kwanar Babaldu highway in Jigawa State. The fatal crash occurred on Tuesday and involved three vehicles, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Preliminary reports indicate that a Volkswagen bus conveying passengers suffered a sudden tyre burst while in motion, causing the driver to lose control and collide with an oncoming vehicle. Moments later, a truck rammed into both vehicles, crushing them and leading to massive casualties.

The Jigawa State FRSC Sector Commander, Umar Matazu, confirmed that the victims included male and female adults as well as children. Emergency responders and security personnel were quickly deployed to rescue survivors, evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals, and recover the bodies of the deceased.

Following the tragedy, the FRSC urged motorists to ensure proper vehicle maintenance, particularly tyre safety, and to obey speed limits to prevent avoidable road accidents. The incident has once again highlighted the deadly consequences of poor vehicle condition and road safety lapses on Nigerian highways.

Gunmen Kidnap Six Passengers, Including Driver, In Daring Attack Along Nsukka–Adani Road In Enugu State

Gunmen have abducted six passengers, including the driver of an Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO) bus, during an early-morning attack along the Nsukka–Adani Road in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. The incident occurred on December 26, 2025, when the assailants intercepted the bus near the Adani community, a route notorious for criminal activity. While three passengers escaped, the remaining victims were forced into the bush by the attackers. Residents have renewed calls for stronger and consistent security presence on the road amid rising kidnapping cases in the state.

Air Peace CEO Warns New Tax Law Could Push Nigerian Domestic Flight Fares to ₦1 Million

Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema has raised alarms over Nigeria’s new tax provisions, warning they could push domestic flight fares beyond ₦1 million and threaten airline operations. Speaking on ARISE NEWS, Onyema explained that cumulative levies—including VAT on aircraft and spare parts, and NCAA charges—are straining airlines’ finances, with only a fraction of ticket revenue reaching operators. He called for urgent government intervention to prevent sector collapse, stressing that implementing the new tax framework could force airlines to pass high costs to passengers, potentially crippling Nigeria’s aviation industry and impacting the wider economy.

Air Peace Chairman Defends Christmas Airfares, Says Nigerian Airlines Unfairly Demonised Over Southeast Flight Costs

The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has rejected claims that Nigerian airlines exploited passengers with high airfares during the Christmas season, insisting that entry fares still start from ₦150,000. Speaking amid public outrage and regulatory scrutiny, Onyema said airlines are being unfairly accused of price fixing, especially on Southeast routes where return flights are often nearly empty. He explained that high operational costs, wet-lease charges, taxes, and demand-driven pricing account for fare differences, stressing that most of the ticket revenue does not go directly to airlines. Onyema urged government agencies and the public to stop scapegoating airlines, describing the criticism as unfair and damaging to the aviation sector.

Nigerians Pay the Cheapest Domestic Air Fares Globally – Air Peace CEO, Onyema

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has said that domestic air travellers in Nigeria are paying the cheapest air fares in the world.

Onyema made the assertion on Sunday during an interview on Arise Television, monitored by DAILY POST, while responding to widespread complaints over the rising cost of air travel in the country.

According to him, despite public perception, local flight tickets in Nigeria remain significantly cheaper when compared to fares in other parts of the world.

“Nigerians are paying the cheapest domestic air fares in the world,” Onyema said.

He explained that passengers abroad pay far more for similar travel durations, adding, “A one-hour flight costs over $400 abroad, but in Nigeria, we still have tickets for N125,000, which is less than $60.”

The Air Peace boss attributed the frequent collapse of airlines in the country to the inability of operators to cover costs under the current fare structure.

“This is why the mortality rate of airlines in Nigeria is very high; over 80 airlines have come and gone. They should allow airlines to breathe,” he said.

Passengers Pray Fervently as Air Peace London–Abuja Flight Hits Turbulence, Viral Video Sparks Mixed Reactions

A viral video showing frightened passengers praying during turbulence aboard an Air Peace flight from London to Abuja has sparked widespread reactions on social media. The clip, shared on TikTok by a female passenger, captured moments of panic as passengers screamed, prayed and called on God for safety amid the mid-air turbulence. The woman who posted the video admitted that many onboard believed the aircraft would crash, joking that she feared missing her first “Detty December.” The footage has since amassed over half a million views, with Nigerians online expressing mixed opinions—some empathising with the fear, while others downplayed the incident as normal turbulence and praised the pilot’s professionalism.

Air Peace Flight Grounded After Conveyor Belt Damages Engine Cover, Disrupts Operations On Nine Routes — NCAA

Operations on an Air Peace flight were severely disrupted after a ground handler’s conveyor belt struck and damaged the aircraft’s engine cover while passengers were already on board, forcing an unscheduled deboarding and widespread delays. The incident, confirmed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, rendered the aircraft unsafe to continue operations. The affected plane, a newly acquired Embraer E2 jet, had been scheduled to operate nine sectors and was fully booked until January 15, 2026, meaning all passengers on those routes faced delays or cancellations. Achimugu explained that despite the damage being caused by a third-party service provider, airlines often bear passenger anger, financial losses, regulatory sanctions, refund obligations, and costly foreign repairs. He stressed the need for stricter regulation and accountability for ground handling services, transparency in informing passengers about the true causes of disruptions, and stronger sanctions against negligent service providers to protect airlines and restore confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.