UMRAH HOPEFULS IN LIMBO AS JEDDAH FLIGHT CANCELLED AMID MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

By Thivyamalini Ramalu

SEPANG, March 2 (Bernama) -- The hopes of three friends from Kudat, Sabah to perform the umrah pilgrimage now hang in the balance after their flight to Jeddah, scheduled to depart at 7 pm tomorrow, was reportedly cancelled and postponed until further notice.

Nevertheless, they remain optimistic and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA T1) from Kota Kinabalu at 10 am today, hoping for positive updates regarding their Malaysia Airlines MH159 flight.

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Ahmad Moktar Abdul Basir, 33, when met by Bernama, said their flight was expected to be rescheduled to March 4, but the new date has yet to be confirmed.

“We chose to stay at a hotel tonight and wait for an answer from the umrah agent and the airline,” said the mosque official and religious teacher, who has spent more than RM8,000 on his umrah package.

Ahmad Moktar said he and 39 pilgrims under an agency offering umrah packages were supposed to depart for Jeddah tomorrow night and were scheduled to perform umrah from March 3 to 14.

Having closely followed developments in the Middle East conflict, he said he understood the unexpected situation and hoped matters would return to normal without further issues.

Another pilgrim, Tajudin Talib, 50, said he was somewhat shocked upon receiving the flight cancellation message but regarded it as a test from Allah, reminding believers to remain steadfast and resilient in facing trials.

“We were surprised when we received the message. But perhaps it is Allah’s will — suddenly it is our turn, with the conflict in Iran unfolding.

“So far, communication with the mutawif has been good. The agent has also been responsive and has answered all our queries. We just hope that if we are unable to proceed to Jeddah, the cost paid for the umrah can be refunded,” said the assistant officer at the TEKUN Nasional Kudat Branch.

Entering the third day of the Middle East conflict, which has seen thousands of flights cancelled worldwide, Malaysia has also taken similar steps to prioritise passenger safety by cancelling selected services to and from affected Middle Eastern destinations, as well as several long-haul routes requiring airspace adjustments.

As of yesterday, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd said the situation remains fluid and subject to ongoing airspace safety assessments and airline decisions, with possible flight schedule adjustments.

The United States (US) and Israel launched a series of strikes against targets in Iran, including Tehran, last Saturday.

Iran subsequently carried out retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

Thousands of flights in the region have been cancelled, while airspace across parts of the Middle East has been closed.

Major airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Saudia and several Abu Dhabi-based carriers have suspended or cancelled selected flights since Saturday.

-- BERNAMA