March 3, 2026 | News
Nigerian pilgrims planning to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia are facing growing uncertainty as escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel continue to disrupt flight operations across the Middle East.
Despite Saudi Arabia hosting over 122 million worshippers during the 2025 Ramadan season, the current regional crisis has thrown travel arrangements into disarray, leaving many Nigerian intending pilgrims stranded or reconsidering their spiritual journeys.
Airspace Closures Trigger Widespread Cancellations
Several Middle Eastern nations — including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — announced partial airspace closures following coordinated strikes on Iran. Major aviation hubs in Doha and Dubai have been affected, significantly disrupting international travel routes.
As a result, leading global airlines have suspended services. Affected carriers include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Air France, British Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Lufthansa and Ethiopian Airlines.
However, Saudia continues operations, as Saudi Arabia has not officially closed its airspace.
Nigerian Pilgrims Stranded, Fear Mounts
Alhaji Auwal Sani, who was scheduled to depart from Kano, told SUNTV Global Channel that his flight was abruptly cancelled.
“I was to travel with Qatar Airways, but I received a message that my ticket had been reopened after cancellation. My visa is not yet issued, and my family and I are stranded. They said airspace may reopen on March 6. God knows best,” he said.
Another intending pilgrim, Salihu Shu’aibu, admitted he is reconsidering the trip entirely due to safety concerns.
Hajiya Bilkisu said she has postponed her Umrah until next year, stressing that uncertainty over safety made the journey too risky.
In Ilorin, Ola Abdul revealed that while financial challenges initially delayed his plans, the regional crisis has now added a new layer of uncertainty.
Normalcy in the Holy Land
Meanwhile, Nigerians already in Saudi Arabia report calm conditions.
Hussein Olugbon, currently performing Umrah, told SUNTV Global Channel that daily religious activities continue uninterrupted.
“We just finished Tarawih prayers. The Imam spoke about Ramadan and Taqwallahi — nothing about war. Life here is normal. Everyone is focused on ibadah,” he said.
Travel Agencies Count Losses
Tour operators across Nigeria say the crisis is hitting business hard.
Sadiq Musa, Managing Director of Musab Travelling Agency, confirmed that suspended flights by major carriers have left many clients scrambling for alternatives.
“Some are rerouting through Ethiopian Airlines, but fear of volatile airspaces is discouraging travellers. Last-minute cancellations are causing panic,” he explained.
Kano-based operator Fatima Idris reported a sharp drop in bookings, especially for Europe-Umrah packages, with many customers requesting refunds or postponements.
Hajj industry expert Faruku Umar warned that disruptions could persist if regional instability continues.
“Flights booked months in advance may still face delays or sudden cancellations. Pilgrims with Gulf layovers are particularly vulnerable,” he cautioned.
Advisory to Intending Pilgrims
Experts advise Nigerians planning Umrah to:
- Closely monitor official travel advisories
- Prepare for possible rerouting or rescheduling
- Avoid emotional decisions driven by panic
- Prioritise safety and verified information
As tensions remain high across the Middle East, the fate of many Nigerian pilgrims hangs in the balance — with faith strong, but flight paths uncertain.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates.
