Overseeing the Return of Umrah Pilgrims, Government Deploys Intensified Support at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), together with the Consular Function Team of the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah (KJRI Jeddah), is supervising and providing accompaniment for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims. The main focus is to ensure a smooth return process via King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
As of 5 March 2026, according to a report by the Haji Technical Staff at KJRI Jeddah, 2,735 pilgrims have received return assistance across various airlines. All flights on that day operated on time.
Cumulatively, from 28 February to 5 March 2026, the number of Umrah pilgrims monitored for return to Indonesia reached 14,796.
Additionally, officers monitored the arrivals of Umrah pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Data collected show 352 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims arriving and being monitored by officers at the airport during the same period.
During the monitoring process, 158 Umrah pilgrims experienced delays or were held in the return process. The pilgrims are currently located in two places, Jeddah and Mecca, awaiting flight rescheduling in line with the airline and the tour operator’s arrangements.
M. Ilham Effendy, Hajj Technical Staff at the Hajj Office in Jeddah, emphasised that the on-site presence of officers aims to ensure certainty of information for pilgrims.
“Officers remain on the ground to directly monitor the departure process of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport. We ensure pilgrims receive clear information as well as escort support during the return process,” he said in a statement received on Friday (6/3).
He explained that for pilgrims experiencing flight delays, the government continues to coordinate with various parties to ensure optimal handling.
“For pilgrims still awaiting flight rescheduling, we will continue coordinating with airlines and tour organisers. We ensure all pilgrims continue to receive escort and the services they need until they can return to the homeland safely,” he added.
The government, through Kemenhaj and the Airport Task Force, continues to work together to ensure every pilgrim receives the best service. The government also urges families in Indonesia to remain calm as the protection of pilgrims remains the top priority while they are in Saudi Arabia until they arrive home.
To facilitate the return process, Kemenhaj has issued several advisories to pilgrims: The government ensures all monitoring and escorting processes are carried out to provide protection and the best service for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims.