Umrah pilgrims' flights rerouted after Riyadh airport attack sparks family anxiety
Families of Malaysian umrah travelers worried after flights were diverted to Madinah following an attack at Riyadh's King Khalid Airport; passengers eventually reached Jeddah safely.
An attack at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport prompted the diversion of multiple flights carrying Malaysian pilgrims bound for umrah. Passengers from Kuala Lumpur were rerouted to Madinah before proceeding to Jeddah, where they landed without injury. Family members posted on Threads asking for updates, with some confirming safe arrival after the aircraft circled Jeddah and received clearance to resume.
A pilgrim awaiting a later flight said she had not heard from her agent about possible changes. The Umrah and Haj Travel Agencies Association said none of its members reported cancellations, and its president noted that flights to Saudi Arabia continue to operate to Jeddah and Madinah. The attack, which killed 12 and injured 309, has raised security concerns across the region.
Why it matters
The incident shows how regional security threats can disrupt religious travel and cause anxiety for pilgrims and their families.
How this story developed
- Oct 3 Fire and thick smoke reported near Saudi Aramco site in Riyadh
- Oct 7 Government‑aligned troops announced the seizure of the highest summit in Jabal Habashi district, Taiz.
- Oct 7 Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmud was appointed the pact’s inaugural secretary‑general.
- Oct 7 Houthis launched missiles at Aden International Airport, causing no casualties.
- Oct 8 Saudi-led coalition announced a comprehensive operation that destroyed dozens of Houthi military sites in Yemen.
- Oct 8 Airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, Lufthansa and IndiGo suspended Riyadh flights until early October.
- Oct 9 Latest statements shift the focus from reported troop deployments to an assessment of defensive equipment assistance.
- Oct 9 Lufthansa announced it will pause its Riyadh flights.
- Oct 9 Death toll confirmed at three Saudi nationals.
- Oct 10 An emergency session on Oct 5 invoked the collective‑defence clause, allowing Turkey and Pakistan to consider dispatching forces to Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 10 A blast was reported at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting an evacuation, with no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
- Oct 10 A second missile strike on the same airport occurred within the week, leading to renewed flight cancellations and heightened travel warnings.
- Oct 11 Death toll rises to 12 and injuries exceed 300.
- Oct 11 He added that GCC members stand united alongside Saudi Arabia, expressing full support for all measures undertaken to protect its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.
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