Middle East Turmoil Delays Umrah Pilgrimages, Insurance Claims Surge Expected
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Numerous aircraft flights have been cancelled following escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. This development has the potential to trigger a surge in travel insurance claims for umrah pilgrims.
Industry players are bracing for the impact. PT Zurich General Takaful Indonesia (Zurich Syariah) is one insurance company providing coverage for hajj and umrah pilgrims.
In its policies, Zurich Syariah provides protection against several umrah travel risks, including changes to travel schedules, travel delays, flight departure delays, and missed connecting flights.
Hilman Simanjuntak, President Director of PT Zurich General Takaful Indonesia (Zurich Syariah), stated that the impact of the conflict situation has begun affecting the company, particularly from customers who had planned umrah journeys. Several have already made travel bookings but have subsequently postponed or cancelled their departures due to security concerns.
“In situations like this, our focus is ensuring protection for our customers. So it’s about how we can help them in these circumstances,” Hilman said during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Additionally, the company continues coordinating with business partners in the umrah and hajj travel industry. Communication is being conducted with travel agents and associations of umrah organisers to ensure customers receive accurate information amid the dynamic situation.
Hilman emphasised that umrah and hajj travel insurance products are among Zurich Syariah’s flagship offerings. Consequently, the company remains targeting business growth in this segment, though it is heavily dependent on developments in the number of pilgrims each year.
“We will operate in accordance with the high standards we have established. We will ensure claims are processed in accordance with policy provisions,” Hilman clarified.
Earlier, approximately 80,000 umrah pilgrims were reported to have been affected by Iran-US tensions. Travel agents for hajj and umrah pilgrimages have commented on the impact of Middle East escalation on Indonesian pilgrims’ departures.
Faried Al Jawi, Daily Chair of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Travel Entrepreneurs (Bersathu), stated that the impact of Middle East escalation is becoming apparent, with prospective umrah pilgrims becoming increasingly anxious.
“Regarding the impact, yes it has had an impact, and we are feeling it, we’ve been thinking about this. Prospective umrah pilgrims intending to depart are becoming increasingly worried,” Faried said when contacted by CNBC Indonesia on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
Currently, the association is still compiling data from umrah travel agents regarding the number of pilgrims whose departures have been delayed.
“Regarding prospective umrah pilgrims intending to depart but experiencing delays, we are still collecting this data, but taken as a total, including those intending to depart and those already in Saudi Arabia, it could reach approximately 80,000 pilgrims,” Faried continued.
He added that of the approximately 80,000 umrah pilgrims, around 58,000 remain stranded in the Holy Land, with the remainder potentially postponing their departures.