Umrah Flights Delayed by Volcanic Ash, Sapuhi Calls for Hajj Dormitories to Serve as Transit Shelters

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted Umrah departures across Indonesia, with the effects reaching beyond Jakarta to other cities that operate international flights.

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Umrah flights are certainly affected. It is not limited to one embarkation point or to Jakarta. Cities in the surrounding areas, such as Surabaya, may be affected as well, along with Medan, Palembang and cities that have international flights.

Syam Resfiadi, chairman of the Indonesian Umrah and Hajj Organizers Association, said the disruption could affect departures from Surabaya, Medan, Palembang and other cities. “Umrah flights are certainly affected. It is not limited to one embarkation point or to Jakarta,” he told Republika on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Pilgrims traveling through connecting flights in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore may also face delays. Flights to several cities in Sumatra, particularly southern Sumatra, have been disrupted by the ash. Syam said the disruption had entered its second day, while many domestic and international flight schedules had yet to return to normal.

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It has almost reached the second day today. Hopefully there will be further developments, but it seems that many reports still show no changes or restored flight schedules, both domestic and international.

He warned that the situation could become more difficult if the disruption continues. Syam called on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to prepare temporary accommodation at departure points, including Hajj dormitories, where affected pilgrims could wait for their flights or rest until new schedules are confirmed.

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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah should provide accommodation and facilities at the departure embarkation points, such as Hajj dormitories, which could be used to wait for departures according to schedule or as places to rest.