Middle East Tensions: Dozens of Indonesian Pilgrims Stranded in Abu Dhabi
Jakarta — Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have left dozens of Indonesian nationals (WNI) stranded in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Some 23 Indonesian citizens, several of whom had just completed the Umrah pilgrimage and were transiting through Abu Dhabi, face uncertainty about returning home following the closure of several airspace zones across the Middle East region.
Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Judha Nugraha stated that when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iranian territory on Saturday 28 February, dozens of Indonesian nationals were detained at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport due to operational disruptions and activity restrictions resulting from the dynamic security situation. However, he confirmed that all Indonesian nationals have since safely exited the airport and are sheltering in hotels whilst awaiting improved conditions.
One Indonesian national, Hanni Sofia, reported that security conditions in Abu Dhabi remained tense as of Monday morning 2 March.
“Artillery fire, fighter jets, and emergency alerts continued sounding until this morning at 9 a.m.,” she told CNBC Indonesia.
Hanni is amongst dozens of Indonesian nationals currently stranded in Abu Dhabi following completion of the Umrah pilgrimage, with intended departures scheduled for Saturday 28 February. However, the tense security situation in the Middle East following American-Israeli strikes on Iran prompted Etihad Airways, owned by the Abu Dhabi government, to suspend flights temporarily until at least 4 March 2026.
Beyond Etihad, dozens of other airlines have also cancelled flights to and from the Middle East region, including Aegean Airlines, Air Algerie, Air France, Air India, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Finnair, Iberia, Indigo, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air.