MAS cancels flights to Jeddah, Madinah until Oct. 17
Malaysia Airlines suspends all flights to Jeddah and Madinah until October 17 over regional security concerns
Source: Kosmo! · October 13, 2026 at 8:01 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-source
JEDDAH, MADINAH, 13 OCTOBER 2026 —
Malaysia Airlines suspends all flights to Jeddah and Madinah until October 17 over regional security concerns
Market Impact
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has cancelled all flights between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru to Jeddah and Madinah, including return journeys, effective immediately until October 17, citing ongoing security assessments in the region. The suspension, announced by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) today, affects all routes connecting Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Johor Bahru (JHB) with Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED).
The decision follows MAG’s statement that the airline is closely monitoring developments in the region, with passenger safety remaining its top priority. Affected travellers may opt for a full refund or rebook their flights at no additional cost within 30 days of their original travel date.
MAG instructed passengers to use the airline’s ‘My Booking’ portal on its website or mobile app, or contact its Global Contact Centre via 1-300-88-3000 for domestic calls or +603-7843 3000 for international inquiries. The airline also urged passengers to update their contact details in ‘My Booking’ to receive real-time notifications.
While flights to and from Doha (DOH) in Qatar remain unaffected, MAS has apologised for the disruption to travel plans and expressed gratitude for passengers’ understanding during the period. The suspension does not extend to other international routes, with MAG reiterating that all operations outside the suspended corridors continue as scheduled.
The airline has not provided further details on the specific security concerns prompting the decision, though it confirmed that monitoring of the situation remains ongoing.
For Malaysian travellers, the suspension introduces logistical challenges for those planning pilgrimage-related travel or business trips to Saudi Arabia, particularly as the Hajj season approaches. The cancellation also raises questions about potential economic impacts on tourism and trade links, though no immediate disruptions to other regional flights have been reported. MAS has not indicated whether the suspension will be extended beyond October 17, pending further assessments.
Passengers with confirmed bookings on the affected routes are advised to act promptly to secure refunds or rebookings, with MAG emphasising that assistance remains available through its customer service channels. The airline’s decision underscores heightened regional security protocols, though no official statements from Saudi authorities or other aviation bodies have been issued in connection with the suspension.
Related: Malaysia Airlines · Jeddah, Madinah