Middle East War Strands Umrah Pilgrims
Thousands stranded, struggling with canceled flights and postponed pilgrimages
By Sadiq Abdulfatah
The war in the Middle East has disrupted travel for many Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage, leaving some stranded and others forced to cancel their trips. For those who managed to perform the rituals, the conflict has cast a shadow over the experience.
According to Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, as of Thursday, more than 58,860 Indonesian pilgrims remain stranded. The Indonesian government is working with Saudi authorities and airlines to reduce hotel and flight costs and has urged roughly 60,000 others to postpone their trips until April for safety reasons. A ministry spokesperson called the situation an “urgent humanitarian and logistical issue.”
According to a stranded pilgrim, Zanirah Faris, her return flight was canceled and rescheduled, adding that extra hotel costs and delays are a burden for many families. “Not everyone can book additional stays,” she said. “I am disappointed because my children have been waiting for me.”
Malaysia reported about 1,600 Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. The Malaysian government has opened a 24 hour operations center to monitor the situation and coordinate assistance. Malaysia Airlines temporarily resumed return flights from Jeddah and Medina, while the foreign ministry is working with regional governments and airlines to evacuate citizens.
Gulf airports which serves asmajor connecting airports for travelers worldwide have also been affected, complicating movement for travelers heading to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
According to Kholaif whose flight to Kuwait was canceled, traveled overland to reunite with his children, describing the reunion as “emotional” amid the chaos.
Others canceled trips entirely. Michigan resident Javed Khizer said he called off Umrah for his family due to escalating conflict, noting that “we could only understand that the situation is getting worse.”
Majid Mughal a pilgrim from the United States, said his family is concentrating on fasting, prayer, and bonding but remains concerned about their journey home. “We check flight details almost daily to ensure our return,” he said, mindful of school and work obligations back home.
The situation emphasizes on both the emotional and logistical challenges of traveling for religious observances amid global conflict, affecting thousands of pilgrims during a sacred period
Source: Associated Press
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