Airspace Closures Lead to Cancellation of Umrah Pilgrim Departures; Government Mitigation Measures Outlined

Jakarta — The Indonesian government has implemented mitigation measures for Indonesian umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia following the closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern nations due to escalating regional security conditions. Muhammad Ilham Effendy, Technical Staff for Hajj Affairs at the Hajj Affairs Office (KUH) in Jeddah, stated that the office has established three teams working in three shifts deployed across three airport locations to anticipate potential flight delays or cancellations.

“The Hajj Affairs Office has established three teams operating in three shifts and deployed across three airport points: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (formerly Saudia), and the Hajj Terminal. This measure ensures optimal support and coordination for pilgrims affected by flight schedule changes,” Ilham said in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday (1 March 2026).

Several nations neighbouring Saudi Arabia, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Syria, have reportedly closed their airspace for incoming and outgoing flights.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, along with Oman, Jordan, and Lebanon, continues to operate flights on a limited basis with heightened alert status, adjusting to developments in the security situation.

The government has assured that conditions within Saudi Arabia remain secure and under control. Civilian activities continue normally with enhanced vigilance in accordance with applicable security standards.

In anticipation of potential flight delays or cancellations that could strand umrah pilgrims at airports, the Jeddah Hajj Affairs Office has moved swiftly to implement mitigation measures.