Ms Zakharova said that estimated figure of roughly 50,000 Russian travellers were stranded in the Middle East.
The American Airlines aircraft had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the army helicopter had three soldiers on board.
Some passengers on the aeroplane complained that the flight was diverted to Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos after short notice via email.
The airline, which did not appear marked, was seen near the busy Ikeja Along Bus Stop, leaving miles-long traffic congestion, social media accounts said.
