Flight cancellations to Jeddah and Madinah have disrupted Malaysian travel plans, as security concerns prompt calls to postpone umrah trips (Image by swisshippo)
Malaysia Airlines has cancelled flights to Jeddah and Madinah until 17 October 2026, while Batik Air and regional carrier Royal Brunei Airlines have also reported cancellations affecting Saudi Arabia. The disruptions follow attacks on Saudi airports, while renewed threats against the country’s infrastructure have added to uncertainty over flight operations.
Malaysia Airlines suspends Jeddah and Madinah flights until 17 October
Malaysia Airlines has cancelled all flights connecting Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru with Jeddah and Madinah from 12 to 17 October 2026 as a precaution following the attacks.
Affected passengers can request a full refund or rebook within 30 days of their original departure date without additional charges. Flights to and from Doha remain operational.
Batik Air and Royal Brunei cancel selected Saudi flights
Batik Air cancelled flight OD701 from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah on 12 October, with affected passengers to be accommodated on the next available flight. A wider suspension of subsequent Jeddah services had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Royal Brunei Airlines also cancelled its Brunei–Jeddah and return services scheduled for 13 October. At the time of its announcement, other Saudi services remained under review.
Meanwhile, AirAsia and Saudia flights were reported to be operating as scheduled on 13 October, according to information shared by umrah agencies with Bernama. Their operating status on 14 October has not been independently confirmed.
Riyadh airport closure and regional flight disruptions
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was reported to be closed until 17 October following the attacks. Several international airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France-KLM, have also announced cancellations or schedule adjustments affecting Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
The extent of disruption varies by airline and destination. Some carriers have suspended specific routes, while others have adjusted individual flights. The reported closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh does not mean all Saudi airports are closed, or that every flight to Jeddah and Madinah has been cancelled.
Reports of fresh Houthi threats against Saudi airports and oil infrastructure on 14 October have added to security concerns.
Malaysia advises umrah pilgrims to postpone travel temporarily
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, advised Malaysians on 12 October to temporarily postpone umrah travel amid security concerns.
However, travel agencies told Bernama on 13 October that conditions in Makkah and Madinah remained calm, with some pilgrimage arrangements proceeding as planned. These reports reflect conditions at the time and should not be taken as confirmation of current security conditions or flight operations.
Malaysians with upcoming umrah trips should contact their travel operators and airlines directly to confirm flight status, accommodation, airport transfers, and other ground arrangements. Those whose flights are cancelled should check their rebooking or refund options, and seek updated advice from the relevant authorities before travelling.
