The war in the Middle East has disrupted travel across the region, stranding tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims who traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage. More than 58,000 Indonesian pilgrims remain unable to return home as canceled flights and rising costs for hotels and rebooking create mounting financial and emotional strain. Indonesian authorities are negotiating with Saudi officials and airlines while urging others to postpone planned trips.

Malaysian officials reported that about 1,600 of their citizens are also stranded, though they are said to be in good condition. Governments are coordinating with airlines and diplomatic missions to arrange return flights and provide assistance. Major transit hubs in the Gulf region, which connect travelers to Europe, Africa, and Asia, have been heavily affected.

Individual pilgrims describe distressing experiences as spiritual journeys turned into logistical ordeals. Some scrambled to find overland routes home, while others canceled long-planned trips out of fear that the conflict could worsen. Many remain anxious about return flights, school schedules, and work obligations, even as they try to focus on prayer and religious devotion during the holy month of Ramadan.