Singaporean Muslims planning to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia are facing difficult decisions as escalating security threats across the Middle East disrupt travel arrangements, trigger flight cancellations and prompt authorities to urge pilgrims to reconsider their journeys.
Despite official warnings, some Singaporean pilgrims remain determined to proceed with their religious journeys, while others have been forced to postpone or cancel plans after sudden flight disruptions.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) issued an advisory on October 14, urging Singaporeans planning to perform Umrah to consider postponing their trips in line with an earlier warning from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
The MFA had advised Singaporeans on October 13 to defer all travel to Saudi Arabia because of heightened security risks, including missile and drone attacks targeting locations across the kingdom.
The situation has raised concerns among travellers, particularly those travelling with elderly relatives and young children, as uncertainty surrounding airport operations and flight schedules continues.
Umrah, unlike the annual Hajj pilgrimage, can be performed throughout the year. However, the growing security concerns have placed many families in a difficult position after months of preparation and financial commitments.
One Singaporean family experienced the disruption firsthand when their planned pilgrimage was cancelled just hours before they were scheduled to check in for their flight on October 14.
The family, led by a woman identified only as Hadijah, had planned to travel with OneOasis Travel and remain in Saudi Arabia until October 25. However, their Emirates flight from Dubai to Saudi Arabia was cancelled, forcing them to abandon the trip.
Hadijah said her family was heartbroken by the unexpected development. They are now discussing the possibility of postponing their pilgrimage until next year, hoping they will eventually have another opportunity to complete the journey.
Other families are still preparing to travel but are keeping their plans flexible.
Denise Deanna Chew, who is scheduled to travel with her husband and two children from November 3 to November 13, said the security advisories had caused concern, especially because the family would be travelling with their one-year-old baby.
The family, which booked its journey through And.i Experience and is scheduled to fly with Saudia Airlines, is adopting a wait-and-see approach while monitoring developments.
Chew said they remain hopeful about completing their pilgrimage but are also preparing for the possibility that their trip may not proceed.
Another traveller, identified only as Ms A, is scheduled to travel with family and friends from October 21 to November 1 through Emirates.
Although she is aware of the security concerns, she still intends to proceed if travel remains permitted. However, she said she would respect her travel agency’s decision should it determine that cancelling the trip is necessary.
Meanwhile, Nur Zhafirin Bin Nor Azhar, who is planning his first Umrah pilgrimage in December, is hoping tensions will ease before his scheduled departure.
Saudi Arabia Security Concerns Put Pressure on Airports and International Travel
The growing uncertainty surrounding Umrah travel comes amid escalating regional tensions and reported attacks involving missiles and drones.
Singapore’s MFA said Saudi Arabia had experienced an increase in attacks targeting civilian aviation and energy infrastructure since July 2026.
Airports in Riyadh, Abha, Dammam, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jizan have reportedly been affected.
Repeated attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh have also resulted in temporary operational suspensions and flight diversions, creating additional uncertainty for international travellers.
The developments have raised concerns beyond Singapore, particularly among Muslim communities in Southeast Asia whose members regularly travel to Saudi Arabia for religious pilgrimages.
The situation has also prompted neighbouring countries to reassess travel arrangements for their citizens.
For Singaporean pilgrims, the central concern is no longer simply whether their flights remain scheduled but whether travelling during the current security situation is a responsible decision.
Travel Agencies Monitor Flights as Pilgrims Face Possible Financial Losses
Singapore travel agencies organising Umrah packages are closely monitoring the situation, but not all departures have been cancelled.
Noor Mohamad Services & Travel, for example, had a group depart Singapore for Jeddah on a direct Saudia Airlines flight on October 14. The group arrived in Mecca the following morning.
The agency said it takes the government advisories seriously and considers the safety and well-being of its pilgrims its priority. It is encouraging travellers to defer their journeys while security risks remain elevated.
Shahidah Travel, meanwhile, reported that its scheduled Umrah departures remained on track as of October 14. The agency also had pilgrims already performing Umrah in Mecca and said they were in good condition.
It continues to monitor airline schedules and coordinate with relevant parties should travel arrangements need to change.
However, one major concern for affected families is the financial cost of cancelling or postponing their trips.
A full refund is not automatically guaranteed when travellers decide to cancel, even when the decision is influenced by security developments.
The amount recoverable depends on individual booking conditions, airline policies, hotel arrangements and payments already committed to service providers.
Some airlines may permit passengers to reschedule their flights, but additional penalties or fare differences could still apply.
MUIS said it was engaging Umrah travel agents to encourage them to provide affected pilgrims with clear information and, where possible, flexible arrangements for postponement or rescheduling.
The council also urged travel operators to handle affected customers fairly and sympathetically, recognising that many pilgrims could face financial losses through circumstances beyond their control.
MUIS Issues Guidance for Singaporeans Already in Saudi Arabia
For Singaporeans who are currently in Saudi Arabia, MUIS has advised them to remain calm, follow instructions from local authorities and stay in contact with their travel agencies and airlines.
The council also encouraged Singaporeans in the kingdom, as well as those who must travel there, to register with the MFA’s eRegister system.
Registration can help Singapore authorities communicate with Singaporeans overseas and coordinate assistance when necessary.
Those requiring consular assistance can contact the Singapore Embassy in Riyadh, the Singapore Consulate-General in Jeddah or the MFA’s 24-hour Duty Office.
The ministry can be reached at +65 6379 8800 or +65 6379 8855.
MUIS said it would continue monitoring developments and coordinate with relevant government agencies as the security situation evolves.
Pilgrims Urged to Prepare for Sudden Flight Disruptions
Security experts are also advising travellers to prepare for unexpected changes throughout their journeys.
Ee Sheng Cha, security manager for assistance at International SOS, recommended that pilgrims regularly confirm their flight schedules before departure and throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Travellers should also consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers eligible security-related incidents and unexpected travel disruptions.
While in the country, pilgrims should avoid relying on unverified information circulating through social media, messaging applications and online rumours.
They should also familiarise themselves with emergency procedures and identify the nearest shelters at their accommodation and pilgrimage locations.
Travel agencies, meanwhile, have been encouraged to build flexibility into their arrangements, including considering alternative flight routes in case major airports become temporarily inaccessible.
For many Singaporean families, Umrah represents a deeply personal religious commitment involving years of savings, preparation and anticipation.
But with regional security concerns continuing to affect travel arrangements, the latest advisories highlight the difficult balance between fulfilling religious intentions and protecting the safety of loved ones.
For now, some pilgrims are pressing ahead, others are waiting for clearer developments, and families whose flights have already been cancelled are hoping for another opportunity to visit the holy sites.
