Uncertainty over Umrah as war rages on in Middle East
Umrah is normally at its peak during the month of Ramadhan as millions of Muslims make their way to the holy lands for the minor pilgrimage.
Growing tensions in the Middle East are threatening to disrupt Umrah travel plans for hundreds of Kenyan pilgrims, following a joint US and Israeli attacks against Iran which has spilled over to the whole region triggering widespread airspace closures across the gulf.
The crisis attacks prompted retaliatory attacks by Tehran targeting Israel, U.S. military bases and strategic sites in parts of the gulf region The escalating conflict has forced several countries to impose precautionary airspace restrictions, disrupting one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors.
Among the countries affected are the United Arab Emirates and Qatar— key transit hubs for Kenyan pilgrims traveling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), several aircraft operated by Middle Eastern carriers remain grounded as flights to their respective hubs were suspended. Airlines affected include Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways, all of which rely on Gulf airspace to connect Nairobi to onward destinations.
Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, is normally at its peak during the month of Ramadhan as millions of Muslims make their way to the holy lands for the minor pilgrimage.
Muhammad Gabbow, a Hajj and Umrah travel consultant with Senator Travels, said the situation could significantly affect pilgrims scheduled to transit through Dubai, Sharjah and Doha.
“We already have many passengers passing through the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, but indications are that this will not be possible if the situation does not de-escalate,” he told Sahifa Media.
He said the sudden suspension of flights has left many travelers uncertain about whether their journeys will proceed as planned.
Qatar Airways confirmed it had halted flights to and from Doha after Qatari authorities closed their airspace, citing passenger safety as its top priority.
However, flights operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines between Nairobi and Saudi Arabia were reported to be operating normally, offering limited relief for some pilgrims who booked direct connections.
Meanwhile, the government has urged Kenyans living in the Middle East to exercise caution amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
“We urge all Kenyan citizens residing in, or planning to travel to, the region to exercise heightened vigilance. The situation remains fluid and may change without notice,” read part of the advisor issues on Saturday, February 28 by Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said the government was following the situation through its diplomatic missions in the region. “We are following with deep concern the evolving situation in the Middle East and are in close communication with our diplomatic Missions,” he posted on X.