Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia after Krakatau eruption disrupts flights

Some Indonesian umrah pilgrims remain unable to return home after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau led to the closure of eight airports, Indonesia’s hajj and umrah minister said.

Mochamad Irfan Yusuf said he had ordered his team to monitor the situation, including Indonesian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and people preparing to leave for the pilgrimage. He said he had not yet received a confirmed figure for the number of delayed travelers.

Some pilgrims managed to return to Indonesia through an alternative route via Kertajati Airport. Others remained in Saudi Arabia, although Irfan said their condition was generally good. Several airlines provided hotel accommodation as compensation, while others did not, prompting the ministry to continue monitoring the situation.

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I’ve asked our team to monitor it. Some of our umrah pilgrims have had their return home delayed.

“I’ve asked our team to monitor it. Some of our umrah pilgrims have had their return home delayed,” Irfan said. He also said the ministry had advised prospective pilgrims to postpone their departures.

The eruption occurred on Saturday morning in the waters of the Sunda Strait. Volcanic ash spread across Banten, Lampung, Jakarta, West Java and South Sumatra, disrupting operations at eight airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta.

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Some have been able to return home, but through a diversion via Kertajati.