Minister: Pilgrims Can Still Perform Umrah Safely Despite Middle East Tensions

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has reported that the Saudi Arabian government is ensuring pilgrims can continue to perform umrah safely despite the escalation of conflict in the Middle East region.

“The security situation in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, is reported to be safe and conducive. Pilgrims currently in these areas can carry out their religious observance calmly and without significant disruption,” said Irfan, commonly known as Gus Irfan, during a parliamentary hearing session with Commission VIII on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

He explained that the escalation of conflict in the Middle East has impacted regional security stability and international air transport activities. Several countries in the region have closed their airspace, particularly on routes that have traditionally served as main international flight paths to the Gulf region.

“The closure of these airspaces has caused disruptions to several international flights, particularly those using transit arrangements through various countries in the Middle East region,” said Gus Irfan.

As a result, the departure and return processes for pilgrims performing umrah, particularly those using transit flights, have experienced disruptions.

Nevertheless, he stated that based on reports from government representatives and coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities, the security situation in major pilgrimage destination cities such as Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah remains secure.