Over 50,000 Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims Remain in Saudi Arabia, 14,115 at Risk of Being Stranded

The Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf (Gus Irfan), stated that over 50,000 Indonesian umrah pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia. Of these, 14,115 are at risk of being stranded due to conflict in the Middle East.

Gus Irfan disclosed this information during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the Indonesian Parliament in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. He attributed the potential stranding of pilgrims to the closure of multiple airspaces resulting from escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

“Several countries in the region have closed their airspace, particularly on flight routes that have traditionally served as primary pathways for international flights to the Gulf region. These airspace closures have disrupted international aviation, especially flights utilising transit schemes through several Middle Eastern countries,” Gus Irfan explained during the meeting.

He noted that pilgrims using transit flights have been disproportionately affected by the Middle East conflict situation. He also raised concerns that potential escalation could impact the implementation of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage.

“This situation could potentially affect the implementation of the 2026 hajj (1447 Hijri), which is scheduled to begin the departure phase on 22 April,” he said.

Gus Irfan revealed that 50,374 Indonesian umrah pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia. He stated that 14,115 of these pilgrims are at risk of being stranded.

“According to the data we have received, as mentioned earlier, the number of umrah pilgrims remaining in Saudi Arabia as of 11 March stands at 50,374, of which approximately 14,115 may become stranded or detained, with 1,239 travel agencies (PPIU) involved. We have already summoned all relevant travel agencies regarding this matter,” he stated.