Indonesia's Hajj Ministry urges umrah providers to support pilgrims amid eruption-related flight disruption

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has told umrah travel providers not to leave pilgrims stranded as volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau disrupts flights.

The ministry asked all PPIU, or umrah travel organisers, to take mitigation measures and assist pilgrims affected by the eruption. Flights at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Banten have been suspended since September 6, 2026, as a safety measure. The disruption has affected pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia and those returning to Indonesia.

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Pilgrims are asked to remain calm and continue communicating with their respective travel companies

Puji Raharjo, director of umrah and hajj operations at the ministry, urged pilgrims to remain calm and stay in contact with their travel companies. "PPIU must ensure every pilgrim receives fast, clear and accurate information about flight status and the handling under way," he said.

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PPIU must ensure every pilgrim receives fast, clear and accurate information about flight status and the handling under way

The ministry said pilgrim safety must guide decisions on departures, returns, transit, schedule changes and route changes. Providers must also continue serving people whose journeys have been delayed, including by arranging accommodation, meals, transport, assistance and other basic needs until travel can resume.

PPIU operators have been instructed to coordinate actively with airlines, airport managers, aviation authorities, service providers in Saudi Arabia and other relevant parties to secure confirmed schedules and alternative travel arrangements.

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Pilgrims affected by delays must not be left without certainty