Middle Eastern Airspace Closure Leaves Indonesian Pilgrims in Madinah Awaiting Return Confirmation
MADINAH — Several Indonesian umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia continue to await confirmed schedules for their return following temporary flight suspensions by multiple airlines following US military strikes against Iran.
Airspace closures in several Middle Eastern countries have prompted international airlines to cancel or postpone flight schedules. Airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines have reportedly cancelled numerous flights to and from the Middle East region, including routes serving Jeddah and Doha.
One Indonesian umrah pilgrim, Natria Baskoro (37), currently in Madinah, stated she has not yet received further information regarding her return schedule to Indonesia. She was originally scheduled to return to Indonesia the following day via Qatar Airways with a stopover in Doha.
“Alhamdulillah, conditions here are safe, and Madinah is stable. However, I should be returning tomorrow, God willing. For now, our group is still awaiting further information,” Baskoro said when contacted on Saturday.
She noted that whilst the situation in Madinah remains relatively calm, reports of escalating regional conflict have caused concern among some pilgrims. “Let us hope there is no direct impact on the Holy Land. May Allah the Almighty protect everyone,” she said.
Airspace closures occurred following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of military operations against Iran, which was subsequently met with missile attacks by Tehran. Several Gulf nations including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates took precautionary measures by restricting or temporarily closing their airspace citing aviation security concerns.
This has affected the operations of airlines based in the region, including transit flights that serve as the primary route for Indonesian umrah pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia. Doha and Dubai have traditionally served as major international aviation hubs for flights from Jeddah and Madinah.
As of now, aviation authorities in the region continue evaluating the security situation before fully reopening airspace. Pilgrims are urged to continue monitoring official information from their respective airlines and travel agencies regarding flight rescheduling.