Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused severe disruption to international air travel, leaving thousands of Muslim pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. Many flights have been canceled due to unsafe airspace, creating uncertainty and distress among travelers trying to return home. Some have been forced to cancel their planned Umrah trips altogether.

Indonesian and Malaysian citizens are among the hardest hit. Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, said about 58,860 Indonesian pilgrims remain stranded, facing high accommodation and transport costs. The Indonesian government is negotiating with Saudi authorities and airlines to reduce hotel and ticket expenses and has asked around 60,000 more citizens to postpone their Umrah trips until April. Malaysia’s Consul General in Jeddah, Mohamad Zuraif Raja Abdul Kadir, reported that 1,600 Malaysians are stranded, with a 24-hour operations room set up to assist them.

The crisis has become both a humanitarian and logistical challenge, with pilgrims expressing financial and emotional strain. The war’s impact on the region’s air routes has also disrupted global connectivity and raised concerns over upcoming Hajj travel.