More than 58,000 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims have been delayed in returning home following flight suspensions linked to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East.
The regional conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has led to the closure of several air routes. As a result, flight operations in parts of the Middle East have been suspended, affecting international travel.
Reports indicate that tens of thousands of Indonesian pilgrims, including residents of West Java and Subang Regency, are temporarily unable to return from Mecca. Thousands of prospective pilgrims in Indonesia have also experienced delays in departure.
Despite the disruption, 6,047 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims returned to Indonesia in stages between 28 February and 1 March 2026.
The figures were compiled as part of the government’s monitoring of pilgrim movements and aviation developments.
Government Prioritises Pilgrim Safety
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ichsan Marsha, said the government’s main focus is ensuring the safety and protection of all pilgrims.
“From February 28 to March 1, 2026, 6,047 pilgrims have returned home safely. The government continues to monitor this process so that all pilgrims can return home in a gradual and orderly manner,” Ichsan said in Jakarta, as quoted by Warta Kota.
He said the government is monitoring geopolitical developments and coordinating with aviation authorities and Indonesian representatives abroad.
Tensions in parts of the Middle East have raised concerns about flight route disruptions and security conditions around transit areas. The government stated that all handling processes are being carried out in a coordinated manner, with daily evaluations conducted at ministerial level and in coordination with related agencies.
Ten Mitigation Measures Agreed
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), together with other ministries and stakeholders involved in Umrah services, has agreed on 10 mitigation measures to address the evolving security situation.
The Director General of Hajj and Umrah Management, Puji Raharjo, said the safety of pilgrims remains the government’s priority.
“Our mindset is clear: the safety of pilgrims is paramount. A postponement is not a cancellation, but rather a risk mitigation measure. This demonstrates the state’s presence to ensure protection, certainty, and peace of mind for all pilgrims,” Puji said in a press release on Wednesday (4 March 2026).
The agreed measures include the establishment of an integrated coordination centre involving the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, airlines and Umrah Pilgrimage Travel Organisers (PPIU).
The agreed measures include the establishment of an integrated coordination centre involving the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, airlines and Umrah Pilgrimage Travel Organisers (PPIU).
Stakeholders have committed to sharing data and updating information to manage Umrah travel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged PPIU to consider temporarily postponing departures until airspace conditions to and from Saudi Arabia are deemed safe.
The Ministry of Transportation has committed to facilitating additional flight permits where required. The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections will facilitate cancellation or postponement for pilgrims whose visas have already been issued but who wish to delay departure.
