US–Israel Conflict Against Iran Creates Uncertainty in Umrah Travel, AMPHURI Highlights This

Jakarta — AMPHURI says there is now uncertainty in Umrah travel due to the conflict in Western Asia between the United States and its allies against Iran. President Firman M. Nur says this is caused by airspace closures and changes to airline schedules due to the conflict, affecting departure and return times for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims. ‘The intensifying conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran forces several countries to close airspace, prompting airlines to alter routes, postpone, and even halt flights,’ Firman said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, 5 March 2026. He notes that while the Saudi authorities assure that the situation is safe and under control, they continue to exercise caution according to security standards. He emphasised the need for clarity of state responsibility as regulated in Law No. 14 of 2025 on the Administration of Hajj and Umrah, especially regarding protection of pilgrims and Umrah officers. He highlighted Article 96(5) which lays out legal protection, security, and basic services for pilgrims, with certain exceptions for independent Umrah pilgrims. Independent Umrah pilgrims face uncertainty since they could be affected by unilateral cancellations by service providers, airlines, or accommodations. ‘In other words, what happens to them (independent Umrah) when unilateral cancellations occur by transport providers, airlines, or hotels, where they clearly do not receive protection from the State,’ Firman said. ‘Including rejection of life, health, or travel insurance claims due to force majeure, unlike Umrah through PPIU which are all protected as stated in Article 96(5),’ he added. Meanwhile, AMPHURI Secretary-General Zaky Zakariya Anshary hopes that the Middle East tensions ease promptly and that Umrah travel activities return to normal, especially ahead of the Haj season 1447H/2026. In addition to the Western Asia conflict, AMPHURI also mentions its Judicial Review (JR) request of Law No. 14 of 2025 on the Administration of Hajj and Umrah to the Constitutional Court (MK).