Delays in Umrah Flights Between Egypt and Saudi Arabia (October 2026): What We Know So Far and What to Do

Last updated: 18 October 2026

What Happened?

On 13 October 2026, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced it was monitoring delays to several flights carrying Egyptian Umrah pilgrims. The Ministry set up committees at Cairo International Airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, as well as field committees in Makkah and Madinah. The Ministry stated that Minister Sherif Fathi ordered increased oversight and that coordination continues with the Saudi side to preserve pilgrims’ rights. (Al-Ahram Portal)

This came amid heightened security in the Kingdom. In its update on 17 October 2026, the UK Foreign Office reported a “serious incident” at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October, advising people to avoid the area until it is deemed safe. The update noted an increased threat from Houthi missiles and drones targeting Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Yanbu since 13 July, warning that further attacks on airports and flight disruptions are "very likely." (GOV.UK)

From the Saudi side, the General Authority of Civil Aviation extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid Airport in Riyadh (Al Arabiya, 12 October). At the time of writing, we have not found an official announcement regarding the resumption of flights at Riyadh, nor any statement from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah about delays affecting pilgrims’ flights.

Is Umrah Suspended?

No. No decision has been issued to stop Umrah. The current Umrah season is ongoing as scheduled: The last date to issue a visa is 9 March 2027, and the last date for pilgrims to travel is 7 April 2027.

There has been no announcement about the closure of either Jeddah or Madinah airports—the main airports used by Umrah flights from Egypt. What is happening is delays to some flights, not a cancellation of the season.

What Does This Mean for You if You’re Traveling in the Coming Weeks?

On 18 October 2026, we reviewed the Umrah Packages listed on 4Safar to see which airports they arrive at and which airlines they use:

• 99 Packages from 23 Travel Agencies are scheduled between 18 October and 17 November 2026.
• Arrival airport: 56 Packages fly into Madinah, and 43 into Jeddah.
• Departure airport: 60 Packages return from Jeddah and 39 from Madinah.
• No Package passes through Riyadh airport.
• Airlines used for outbound flights: EgyptAir (54), Saudia (33), Air Cairo (7), Nesma Airlines (3), flyadeal (2).

This means that the suspension at Riyadh airport does not directly affect any Package listed on 4Safar. However, delays could impact flights to Jeddah and Madinah as well, so it is important to keep monitoring updates.

What Should You Do If Your Trip Is Soon? Step by Step

1. Contact your Travel Agency first. The Ministry has mandated agencies to monitor flight times and keep pilgrims updated on any changes. Ask about your flight time and number and who is responsible for assisting you at the airport.
2. Check your flight status directly with the airline through its website or app, a few hours before heading to the airport.
3. Keep all your documents: your contract with the agency, payment receipts, flight ticket, and any messages notifying you of schedule changes. These are required in case you need to file a complaint later.
4. If the delay shortens your stay in Makkah or Madinah, request written clarification from your agency about how missing nights will be compensated or how your Package will be adjusted.
5. Rely only on official sources: announcements from the Ministry of Tourism, the airline, and your Travel Agency. Ignore unverified messages circulating without sources.

What Are Your Rights?

The Ministry of Tourism has not yet announced standardized compensation amounts or a unified financial procedure for dealing with delays. Still, the rules for the 2026–2027 Umrah season provide general protection for pilgrims: (Masrawy, 15 July 2026):

• Every agency organizing Umrah must provide a guarantee of EGP 5 million: EGP 1.5 million deposited with the Ministry and a EGP 3.5 million cheque.
• If an agency breaches the agreed Package, the amounts due to the pilgrim will be deducted from this guarantee.
• The guarantee will not be returned to the agency unless the Ministry receives no complaints about Package prices within two months after the end of the season.

So if your Package is changed from what you paid for, keep your documents and submit your complaint to the Ministry on time.

If You’re Planning Future Umrah

The season continues until April 2027. If you haven’t booked yet, compare Packages by arrival airport, airline, and travel dates, and choose an agency licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. You can compare all available Packages on the Umrah Packages page at 4Safar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Umrah been suspended due to the events in Saudi Arabia?

No. No decision to suspend Umrah has been issued as of 18 October 2026, and the season continues until 7 April 2027.

Is Jeddah or Madinah airport closed?

No. The only official suspension announced is for King Khalid Airport in Riyadh. Jeddah and Madinah airports remain open, though some flights may be delayed.

My flight was delayed—who is responsible for informing me?

The Travel Agency you booked with. The Ministry of Tourism has obligated agencies to monitor flight times and inform pilgrims of any changes promptly.

Am I entitled to compensation for Umrah flight delays?

So far, no unified compensation mechanism has been announced. However, if an agency breaches the agreed Package, the season’s rules allow costs due to you to be deducted from the agency’s guarantee held by the Ministry, provided you file a complaint within two months of the end of the season.

Where can I follow the latest updates?

Check updates from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, your airline’s website, and your Travel Agency. We will update this article if any official new statements are issued.

Sources

• Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities statement, 13 October 2026: Al-Ahram Portal
• UK Foreign Office Saudi Arabia travel advice, updated 17 October 2026: GOV.UK
• 2026–2027 Umrah season rules: Masrawy, 15 July 2026
• Extension of operational suspension at King Khalid Airport: Al Arabiya, 12 October 2026
• 4Safar Packages data: Packages published on the site as of 18 October 2026

Cover image: Pilgrims in Ihram walking through the Hajj terminal at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. Photo by Shah134pk via Wikimedia Commons, under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.