Nigerian pilgrims and travel operators are facing uncertainty as rising tensions in the Middle East disrupt flights for the ongoing lesser hajj, Umrah, in Saudi Arabia.
Travellers from Nigeria and private tour operators are anxious as the Iran-US conflict continues to affect flight schedules and related business activities.
This comes even after more than 122 million worshippers visited Saudi Arabia during Ramadan in 2025.
The current tensions, along with the closure of key airspace routes like Doha and Dubai, are forcing Nigerians planning to perform Umrah to rethink their travel plans.
These disruptions have increased worries about safety, flight reliability, and arriving on time for the holy rituals.
Countries including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates announced partial closures of their airspace after the US and Israel attacked Iran, halting civilian flights across the Middle East.
Several airlines have cancelled services, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air France, British Airways, Syria Air, Air India, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Lufthansa, and Ethiopian Airlines. Saudi Arabian Airlines, however, is still operating as Saudi Arabia has not officially closed its skies.
Some pilgrims said they had already felt the impact of cancellations. Alhaji Auwal Sani, scheduled to travel from Kano on Monday, said his flight was cancelled.
“I was to travel using Qatar Airways, but I got a message from them that the ticket had been opened after it was cancelled. Also, the visa has not been issued to me yet, and I planned to travel with my family today, but we were all stranded. God knows what is best for us.
“They said the airspace would be open on the 6th of March, and the visa will be made available for us to travel,” he said.
Another intending pilgrim, Salihu Shu’aibu, admitted feeling anxious. “With what is happening, I am thinking whether I will cancel the trip because I am afraid,” he said.
Hajiya Bilkisu said she had decided to postpone her trip until next year. “I cannot risk it, honestly. I cannot leave behind my family while I am not certain of a safe trip. We all have faith, but this feels like gambling,” she explained.
Hajj industry expert Faruku Umar warned that the disruptions could continue. “This means that Umrah flights, even those booked months in advance, could be delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled unexpectedly due to ongoing security precautions and airspace restrictions,” he explained.
“Reports indicate that pilgrims from several countries are already facing travel limbo at these hubs. If your itinerary includes layovers in the Gulf, you may be affected.”
He advised intending pilgrims to be cautious. “Understand that your trip might be delayed or require rerouting. Monitor travel advisories from both Nigerian authorities and Saudi officials.
“If you are undecided, consider delaying your departure, particularly if flights are unreliable or if you feel uneasy travelling amid heightened regional tensions. Make decisions based on safety and official guidance, not solely on emotion or fear.”
