Iran Versus US and Israel Tensions Escalate; Umrah Travel Operators Call for Resolution over Departure Postponement Advisory
Jakarta — The escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has disrupted numerous international flights, is also impacting umrah travel operators (PPIU). Amid government advisories to postpone departures for safety reasons, umrah businesses are seeking concrete solutions to avoid significant financial losses.
Abdullah Mufid Mubarrok, Chief Executive of Bariklana Burdah Nusantara Travel Hajj and Umrah, confirmed that their pilgrims currently in Makkah are safe. “By the grace of God, our umrah pilgrims currently in Makkah are in good health and well,” Mubarrok told Republika on Monday, 2 March 2026.
He explained that these pilgrims were participants in a 16-day Arba’in programme departing from Surabaya on domestic airlines, with scheduled return to Indonesia on 12 March 2026. However, complications have emerged regarding subsequent departure schedules. Bariklana Burdah still has two pilgrim groups scheduled to depart on 9 March 2026 at the end of Ramadhan and 25 March 2026 during Syawal.
Whilst Mubarrok appreciated the Indonesian government’s advisory through relevant ministries to postpone umrah departures as a safety precaution, he emphasised that PPIU operators now face a significant dilemma. “We appreciate the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ advisory to postpone umrah departures for safety and security. However, we urgently request solutions because pilgrim preparations are already completed — visas issued, tickets issued, hotels booked, all payments made,” he stated.
According to Mubarrok, if travel operators proceed with departures, they risk being perceived as non-compliant with government guidance. Conversely, if departures are postponed, travel operators face substantial losses from costs already incurred for visas, flights, and accommodation.
“If we proceed with departures, we could be seen as not following government advice. Pilgrims also wish to depart without hesitation. But if postponed, we request solutions so that we are not harmed by costs already paid for visas, tickets, and hotels,” he said.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the end of Ramadhan represents peak umrah season (high season). Hotel prices have surged dramatically, and bookings were made well in advance with full payment already rendered. “Currently, we umrah travel operators face this dilemma. Especially since the end of Ramadhan is peak umrah season, so hotel prices are extraordinarily high and bookings were made long ago with full payment already made,” Mubarrok explained.