Riyadh attack: Pilgrims determined to perform umrah despite security concerns
Pilgrims from Malaysia are proceeding with their umrah trips despite an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed one person and injured 11, Bernama reported from Kuala Lumpur International…
Source: Malaysiakini · October 12, 2026 at 6:02 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, 13 OCTOBER 2026 —
Pilgrims from Malaysia are proceeding with their umrah trips despite an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed one person and injured 11, Bernama reported from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Wednesday.
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The incident has heightened security concerns among would‑be pilgrims, but many say they will not abandon their planned journeys to the holy sites. “News of the bombing near Riyadh certainly worried me. My family is concerned as well, and some of them have called their friends in Saudi Arabia. But I still want to go because this will be my first umrah.
I am leaving it to God,” said 45‑year‑old Norhayati Ali of Shah Alam, who was at KLIA Terminal 1 awaiting departure.
Travel agencies handling the pilgrimages said they are monitoring the situation closely and have put contingency measures in place. Miftah Mohamed, 35, operations manager of a travel agency, said 53 pilgrims under his agency’s care were scheduled to fly to Madinah today but the flight was delayed by about an hour.
He added that the agency had initially been concerned after learning that several flights to Saudi Arabia had been cancelled since the morning, but was relieved when its pilgrims were allowed to check in. “We are in regular contact with the airline for the latest information and are ready to activate contingency plans if any flights are cancelled,” he said, noting that possible measures include arranging temporary accommodation and rescheduling flights to protect pilgrims’ welfare.
A representative of another travel agency, 22‑year‑old Farizz Iqmal Khairul, said 22 pilgrims and their mutawif (guide) were due to depart for Madinah at 5.35 p.m. but had been notified of a delay of between one and two hours. He said the agency had prepared waiting facilities and takaful coverage to deal with any eventualities during the journey.
A Bernama check at KLIA found that, despite the delays, the terminal remained under control and check‑in continued as usual for flights still scheduled to depart. Flight information boards at Terminal 1 showed that Malaysia Airlines flight MH0156 to Jeddah, scheduled for 3.05 p.m., had been cancelled, as had Malaysia Airlines flight MH0158 to Madinah at 5.10 p.m. and Batik Air flight OD701 due at 7.25 p.m.
Saudia flight SV0835 to Madinah, scheduled for 5.35 p.m., was delayed to 6.40 p.m.
The Riyadh attack, which occurred early yesterday, was the latest in a series of incidents at King Khalid International Airport. Anadolu Ajansi reported one fatality and 11 injuries. The attack followed a separate incident at the same airport a day earlier that left 12 dead and more than 300 injured.
The Saudi‑led coalition blamed Yemen’s Houthi group for the latest strike and vowed to take firm action, describing it as a violation of international humanitarian law.
Pilgrims such as Norhayati, who pray for a smooth journey and no untoward incidents, underscore the resilience of the umrah market even as airlines adjust schedules. Travel agencies remain on standby to manage further disruptions, while airlines continue to update departure times in response to the evolving security environment.
Related: Malaysia Airlines · Norhayati Ali · Kuala Lumpur International Airport