There is growing anxiety among Nigerian pilgrims and tour operators as the ongoing hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel disrupt flight operations across the Middle East, threatening participation in the ongoing lesser hajj (Umrah) in Saudi Arabia.
The lesser hajj traditionally attracts large numbers of Muslims during Ramadan. According to reports, over 122 million worshippers visited Saudi Arabia during the 2025 Ramadan period.
However, the escalating tensions in the region and the partial closure of key airspace routes, including Doha and Dubai, have forced many intending Nigerian pilgrims to reconsider their travel plans for the 2026 Umrah.
News reports that the uncertainty surrounding safety, flight reliability and timely arrival for the sacred rites has left many stranded and confused about whether to proceed with their spiritual journey this year.
Airspace Closures Ground Major Airlines
Following attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, announced partial closures of their skies, bringing civilian air traffic in parts of the region to a halt.
Major international carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air France, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Lufthansa and Ethiopian Airlines suspended or cancelled flights to and from affected destinations.
Although Saudi Arabia has not officially shut its airspace and continues to receive civilian flights, disruptions at major transit hubs have significantly impacted pilgrims travelling through connecting airports.
Recent missile and drone attacks targeting infrastructure in the Gulf region, including a reported strike on an oil refinery facility in Saudi Arabia, have further heightened fears that the kingdom could impose airspace restrictions should the conflict escalate.
‘I Am Thinking Whether I Will Cancel The Trip’
Several intending pilgrims who spoke with journalists expressed mixed feelings, with some contemplating cancelling their trips.
Alhaji Auwal Sani from Kano said his scheduled Monday flight was abruptly 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,” Sani told Daily Trust during an interview.
“They said the airspace would be open on the 6th of March, and the visa will be made available for us to travel,” he added.
Another intending pilgrim, Salihu Shu’aibu, admitted he is reconsidering his trip.
“With what is happening, I am thinking whether I will cancel the trip because I am afraid,” he said.
Hajiya Bilkisu said she had already postponed her journey till 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 said.
In Ilorin, Kwara State, Ola Abdul lamented that the tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran had disrupted his long-anticipated Umrah plans.
“Before now, my problem was getting the money to complete my payment. But now, with the situation in the region, I don’t know what to do,” he said, noting that fear of the unknown had gripped many prospective pilgrims in the state.
Despite the tension, a pilgrim currently in Saudi Arabia, Hussein Olugbon, said daily activities in the holy land remain largely unaffected.
“Although the issue is a very serious one, here in Saudi Arabia, everyone is just carrying on. Nobody is even concerned that any war is going on at all,” Olugbon said in a WhatsApp voice note.
“We just finished praying Tarawih now, and the admonition by the Imam was on Ramadan and Taqwallahi (fear of Allah), nothing on Iran or Israel or the US. Life is just going on normally, and everyone is busy with ibadah,” he added.
According to him, the only noticeable impact has been on intending pilgrims who booked flights with Turkish Airlines and Emirates.
Similarly, Aminu Yusuf, who returned to Nigeria on Monday morning, described himself as fortunate.
“I was lucky that Saudi Air didn’t cancel its flights. I left Jeddah last night as scheduled and arrived at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport this morning,” he said.
Usman Umar, a Jos resident scheduled to travel on March 8, said he remains hopeful that his trip will proceed as planned.
Tour Operators Count Losses
Tour operators say the crisis is already taking a toll on business. The National President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdullateef Ekundayo, expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding Umrah operations.
He disclosed that Qatar Airways had indefinitely suspended services, with further updates expected.
News reports that while Saudi Arabia’s airspace remains open, Ekundayo explained that critical transit hubs such as Qatar and the UAE, commonly used for stopovers, are affected.
He noted that premium carriers like Qatar Airways and Emirates are popular for their five-star services, while more budget-conscious pilgrims opt for EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines.
On possible rescheduling, he advised that since visas and tickets remain valid until April, airlines may adjust flights once conditions normalise, though hotel bookings would also require renegotiation.
The Managing Director of Musab Travelling Agency, Sadiq Musa, described the situation as financially draining.
“Major carriers like Qatar and Emirates have suspended flights, leaving passengers stranded or seeking alternatives. Some are travelling via Ethiopian Airlines, but fear of flying through volatile airspaces is unsettling many, especially those combining Europe visits with Umrah,” he said.
“Passengers worry not only about safety but also about last-minute cancellations, which is causing panic,” Musa added.
Kano-based operator, Fatima Idris of Al-Haramayn Travels, confirmed a sharp drop in bookings.
“Normally, we have steady bookings during this period, particularly for Europe-Umrah packages. Many clients are now requesting postponements or refunds. We have had to renegotiate with airlines and hotels to minimise losses,” she said.
Hajj industry expert Faruku Umar warned that the disruptions in Gulf airspace—a key corridor between Africa and Saudi Arabia—could persist.
He noted that hundreds of flights relied upon by pilgrims travelling to Jeddah and Madinah had either been cancelled or rerouted.
“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,” Umar explained.
He added that major transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi had become less reliable as connection points.
“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 said.
While noting that there were no widespread reports of violence in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Umar emphasised that the indirect effects of the crisis were already being felt.
He advised intending pilgrims to maintain close contact with airlines and travel agents for updates.
“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,” he cautioned.
News reports that for now, as missiles fly across parts of the Middle East, many Nigerian pilgrims remain caught between faith and fear, uncertain whether this year’s spiritual journey will proceed as planned.
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