There is an air of uncertainty among Nigerian travellers and private tour operators participating in the current lesser hajj, Umrah, in Saudi Arabia as the US-Iran war continues to take a toll on flight operations and other business activities.

The lesser hajj typically draws large numbers of Muslims to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, with over 122 million worshipers visiting the country during the 2025 Ramadan period.

However, the ongoing Middle East tensions, coupled with the closure of critical airspace routes such as Doha and Dubai, are forcing intending pilgrims from Nigeria to reconsider their travel plans.

The disruptions have heightened concerns over safety, flight reliability, and timely arrival for the sacred rituals, leaving many uncertain about whether to proceed with their pilgrimage this year.

Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates had all announced at least partial closures of their skies after the US and Israel attacked Iran, bringing civilian air traffic over the Middle East to an abrupt halt.

Notable airlines that cancelled services included Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air France, British Airways, Syria Air, Air India, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Lufthansa and Ethiopia Airlines.

However, other airlines such as Saudi Arabian Airlines are still operating flights to the kingdom, as Saudi Arabia has not officially closed its airspace despite regional disruptions.

Saudi airspace continues to receive civilian flights even amid heightened tensions following retaliatory strikes in the Middle East.

Nevertheless, recent missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf infrastructure, including a reported strike on an oil refinery facility in Saudi Arabia, have raised fears that Riyadh could impose airspace restrictions if the conflict escalates further.

Pilgrims express mixed feelings

Prospective travellers who spoke to Daily Trust expressed mixed reactions, with some considering cancelling their trips.

Alhaji Auwal Sani, who intended to travel for the lesser Hajj in Kano, said his flight, which was scheduled for Monday, has been 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.

Salihu Shu’aibu, who is planning to travel for Umrah, said the prevailing situation has left him anxious.

“With what is happening, I am thinking whether I will cancel the trip because I am afraid,” he said.

Another intending traveller, Hajiya Bilkisu, said she had already postponed her trip to 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.

Also, an intending lesser hajj pilgrim, Ola Abdul, expressed concern that the ongoing tensions involving the United States of America, Israel and Iran have disrupted his plans to perform Umrah this year.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Monday night in Ilorin, Abdul said the development has created fresh uncertainty for prospective pilgrims who are yet to depart Nigeria.

“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.

He added that fear of the unknown has gripped many intending pilgrims in Kwara State.

However, a pilgrim currently in Saudi Arabia, Hussein Olugbon, said daily activities in the holy land remain 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 told Daily Trust through a WhatsApp voice note from Saudi Arabia.

“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 some intending pilgrims from Nigeria who booked flights with Turkish and Emirates airlines.

Also, Aminu Yusuf, is another Umrah traveller who returned to Nigeria from Saudi Arabia on Monday morning, said he was lucky that Saudi Air didn’t cancel its flights as he left Jeddah last night as scheduled and arrived at Malam Aminu Kano international airport this morning.

Usman Umar, a resident of Jos, the Plateau state capital, who had booked to travel for Umrah on March 8, said he is still hoping to travel to Saudi Arabia despite the current situation.

How crisis is affecting our business – Tour operators

Speaking with Daily Trust, the National President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdullateef Ekundayo, expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding current Umrah operations due to airspace disruptions.

He revealed that Qatar Airways has indefinitely suspended its services, with further updates expected.

Ekundayo explained that while Saudi Arabia’s airspace remains open, critical transit hubs like Qatar and the UAE—commonly used for stopovers—are affected.

He noted that premium carriers like Qatar Airways and Emirates are preferred for their five-star services, though budget-conscious pilgrims often fly Egypt Air or Ethiopian Airlines.

On rescheduling, he advised that since visas and tickets are valid until April, airlines can adjust flights once conditions normalise, while hotels may need to reschedule bookings.

Sadiq Musa, Managing Director of Musab Travelling Agency, highlighted the financial impact and uncertainty, saying, “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 added, “Passengers worry not only about safety but also about last-minute cancellations, which is causing panic.”

Kano-based tour operator, Fatima Idris of Al-Haramayn Travels, confirmed a sharp decline 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, noting that cancellations hit their tight operational margins hard.

Industry stakeholders said the disruptions underscore the vulnerability of the travel and tourism sector to geopolitical tensions, especially for pilgrims and international travellers whose journeys traverse multiple regions.

Hajj industry expert Faruku Umar has raised concerns over the disruptions in Gulf airspace, a key corridor for flights between Africa and Saudi Arabia.

He said hundreds of flights, including services by major carriers relied upon by pilgrims travelling to Jeddah and Madinah, have 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 highlighted that major regional transit airports such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi have become less reliable as destinations and connection points because of safety concerns, airspace closures, and government advisories.

“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.”

On-ground safety in Saudi Arabia, he noted, remains stable, with no widespread reports of violence directly in the holy cities of Mecca or Medina.

“Many travel authorities and Umrah operators continue to stress that local safety on the ground remains a priority. However, the indirect effects—especially flight connectivity—are already being felt,” he added.

Umar advised intending pilgrims to continuously check with their airline and travel agent for flight status updates.

“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.” (Daily Trust)