Inp.polri.go.id - Padang.  Indonesian airport operators havedeclared that the safety and security of Indonesian umrah pilgrims is the paramount priority as geopolitical tensions escalate across the Middle East.

“The Ministry of Transportation has highlighted that safety must come first regarding Umrah departures, and while a flight is scheduled for 23 March 2026, we are closely monitoring regional developments until 18 March 2026to determine if it can proceed,” said Dony Subardono, the General Manager of Angkasa Pura II at Minangkabau International Airport, on Friday (13/3/2026), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Authorities are currently coordinating with travel agencies and airlines to evaluate flight feasibility, particularly for routes requiring transits in conflict-adjacent countries. While many transit flights through late March have been canceled, the government continues to facilitate the repatriation of pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia to ensure their safe return. 

Some travel operators are offering direct flights to Saudi Arabia as a safer alternative for those still wishing to depart, bypassing high-risk airspace and transit hubs.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)