TLDR
- The conflict in the Middle East has led to airspace closures and travel disruptions, leaving Malaysian Umrah pilgrims stranded in Jeddah.
- One pilgrim, Siti Nur Aishah, has appealed for assistance with accommodation and food, as the agency is only covering the cost for two days and one night.
- Meanwhile, the price of direct flight tickets continues to rise, with fares from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur doubling within 24 hours.
Many of us are aware of the tensions between the US–Israel alliance and Iran. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread airspace closures and travel disruptions in several Middle Eastern countries, as regions move to safeguard civilian flights and respond to security risks.
These issues have caused many travellers to become stranded, including several Malaysian Umrah pilgrims in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
According to one pilgrim, Siti Nur Aishah Muhammad Nazri, 26, who is travelling with her grandmother, they are still staying in a hotel in the area. However, their travel agency is only covering two days and one night of accommodation.
Image Credit: Berita Harian
She expressed concern over their dwindling savings, admitting that they would not be able to cover the cost of accommodation and meals if they remained stranded for more than five days.
“We are asking for help with accommodation and food while we are stranded here, as not everyone can afford them."
"If the airspace is open, I really hope the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) can assist,” she said, as reported by Berita Harian.
The Kedah native added that although she is currently safe, she has been unable to sleep well due to the uncertainty.
“I need to think positively so that my grandmother doesn’t feel sad here. Many of our family and friends in Malaysia have been asking about our condition. We are currently safe, but I need to stay alert 24 hours a day.”
Flight tickets now cost double
Another stranded Umrah pilgrim, Irshad Harris, 32, took the initiative to create a WhatsApp group for all Malaysian pilgrims stranded in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah.
Irshad, a businessman from Johor Bahru, was stranded with three friends. The WhatsApp group aims to share information and updates among affected Malaysians.
Thankfully, Irshad and his friends managed to purchase new flight tickets, and the four of them are scheduled to board a direct flight from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur today.
Image Credit: Pinterest
However, Irshad revealed that the price of the direct flight had doubled in just a day after he bought his ticket. According to him, the direct flight initially cost RM1,200, but the price has since surged to RM2,400 within 24 hours.
Featured Image Credit: The Sun, NST
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