2026 Hajj: Tension as Airlines Suspend Flights to Saudi Arabia, Reason Emerges
- Nigerians face travel cancellations to Saudi Arabia for Hajj due to the Iran-US conflict
- Major airlines halt flights amid escalating tensions in the Middle East
- Pilgrims express mixed feelings, balancing faith with safety concerns during travel
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Nigerians planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj have suffered a huge setback as many airlines have cancelled services due to the Iran-United States war.
The Iran-US war has continued to take a toll on flight operations and other business activities in the Middle East.
Source: Getty Images
As reported by Daily Trust, over 122 million worshipers visited Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj during the 2025 Ramadan period.
Notable airlines that have cancelled services in the region include Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Syria Air.
Saudi Arabian Airlines are however, still operating flights as the kingdom has not officially closed its airspace amid heightened tensions.
It is gathered that Saudi airspace has continued to receive civilian flights despite retaliatory strikes in the Middle East.
An oil refinery facility in Saudi Arabia was attacked, raising fears that Riyadh could impose airspace restrictions if the conflict escalates further.
Iran-US war: Pilgrims express mixed feelings
An intended pilgrim, Alhaji Auwal Sani, said his flight, which was scheduled for Monday, has been cancelled.
Sani, who intended to travel from Kano, said:
“I was to travel using Qatar Airways, but I got a message from them that the ticket had been opened after it was cancelled.”
Salihu Shu’aibu, who is planning to travel for Umrah, said the prevailing situation has left him anxious.
“With what is happening, I am thinking whether I will cancel the trip because I am afraid.”
Another intending traveller, Hajiya Bilkisu, said she cannot leave behind her family while she is not certain of a safe trip.
“I cannot risk it, honestly. We all have faith, but this feels like gambling.”
However, a pilgrim currently in Saudi Arabia, Hussein Olugbon, said daily activities in the holy land remain unaffected.
“Although the issue is a very serious one, here in Saudi Arabia, everyone is just carrying on. Nobody is even concerned that any war is going on at all.”
Source: Getty Images
Iran hits US embassy in Saudi Arabia in fresh strikes
Recall that President Donald Trump said the United States will soon announce its response following new attacks linked to the widening Iran conflict.
A U.S. diplomatic facility in Saudi Arabia was struck by suspected Iranian drones.
The crisis has expanded across multiple countries, disrupting energy supplies, prompting evacuations, and raising concerns about a prolonged regional conflict.
Saudi prince's alleged role in Khamenei's killing
Legit.ng earlier reported that Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, allegedly played a direct role in urging President Trump to strike Iran, leading to the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran.
According to the report, the crown prince made multiple private phone calls to Trump over the past month, advocating for military action, even while publicly promoting diplomacy.
Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that the Saudi leader pressed the US president to act decisively, warning that inaction would embolden Iran in the region.
Source: Legit.ng
