An Indonesian minister has urged Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage to avoid flights transiting through Singapore and Malaysia, recommending direct flights operated by Indonesian airlines instead.
Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, Indonesia’s Deputy Haj and Umrah Minister, made the recommendation amid heightened security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to Indonesian media outlet Kompas, Dahnil said on Oct 26 that an estimated 70,000 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims use connecting flights through Singapore and Malaysia when travelling to Saudi Arabia.
He encouraged these travellers to consider flying directly to Jeddah or Madinah, describing direct routes as a safer option under the current circumstances.
Dahnil also said redirecting more passengers to domestic carriers could benefit Indonesia’s economy.
Indonesian Airlines Encouraged To Offer Competitive Prices
The minister called on Indonesia’s national airlines, including Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, to improve their services and offer competitive fares to attract more pilgrims.
He also urged Umrah travel operators to consider safety concerns and economic benefits when arranging flights for their customers.
Dahnil’s recommendation comes as regional security concerns have prompted authorities in several countries to issue travel advisories for people planning religious journeys to Saudi Arabia.
However, his comments were framed as a recommendation to prioritise Indonesian airlines and direct routes, rather than a formal prohibition on travelling through Singapore or Malaysia.
Singapore Advises Umrah Pilgrims To Reconsider Travel Plans
Singapore has also issued guidance to Muslims planning to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage.
On Oct 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Singaporean pilgrims to defer their travel plans to Saudi Arabia amid heightened security risks in the Middle East.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) reiterated the advisory the following day, encouraging members of the local Muslim community to take appropriate precautions and consider postponing their journeys while the security situation remains uncertain.
MUIS also called on Umrah travel agents to provide flexible postponement or rescheduling arrangements where possible.
The council acknowledged that pilgrims could face financial losses arising from changes to their plans through no fault of their own, urging travel operators to handle affected cases with fairness and understanding.
It further encouraged pilgrims and their families to continue following official advisories as the regional situation develops.
What This Means For Singapore Travellers
For Singaporean Muslims planning an Umrah trip, Indonesia’s recommendation does not itself change Singapore’s travel rules or establish a ban on transit through Singapore or Malaysia.
Travellers should check the latest advice from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, their airlines and their travel operators before making or changing bookings.
Those who have already paid for flights or pilgrimage packages should also clarify cancellation fees, refund eligibility and rescheduling options with their providers.
With security conditions potentially affecting flight routes and travel arrangements, pilgrims are encouraged to make decisions based on current official guidance rather than relying solely on general recommendations about which transit routes to use.