Pakistani families planning to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia are facing growing uncertainty as Houthi attacks and disruptions to air travel raise concerns about passenger safety, flight cancellations and rising travel costs.
The situation has left many prospective pilgrims reconsidering their plans, while travel agencies in Pakistan report a sharp decline in bookings and financial pressure caused by cancellations and rescheduled reservations. The concerns were highlighted in a report published by Arab News on October 16, 2026.
Pakistani Families Worried About Travel Safety
Muhammad Anas Habib, a financial market analyst based in Karachi, had planned to perform Umrah with his family in December. However, recent reports of attacks on Saudi Arabia and disruptions to flights have made him uncertain about whether the family will be able to travel as scheduled.
Habib said his main concern was the safety of his family and the possibility of becoming stranded abroad if flights were cancelled or delayed.
Travel disruptions can also create additional expenses, including extended hotel stays, changes to transportation arrangements and revised bookings. These unexpected costs may place extra pressure on families who have already budgeted for their pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia has accused Yemen’s Houthi movement of targeting Makkah and Madinah, allegations the group denies. Meanwhile, attacks on airports and other infrastructure have heightened concerns among travellers heading to the Kingdom.
Umrah Bookings Drop by 70 Percent
The uncertainty is also affecting Pakistan’s religious travel industry. Travel agencies are experiencing cancellations, postponed departures and losses linked to prepaid hotel bookings and transport arrangements.
M. Abdul Moin Tabish, chief operating officer of Karachi-based Marfani Travel & Tours, told Arab News that demand for Umrah packages had fallen significantly.
The agency usually arranges travel for approximately 10,000 to 20,000 pilgrims during this period. However, Tabish said current demand had dropped to around 25–30 percent of normal levels, representing a decline of roughly 70 percent.
He added that cancellations had forced the company to rearrange hotel reservations and transportation, increasing its financial losses.
Flight Cancellations Add to Pilgrims’ Concerns
Flight disruptions have become another major challenge for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia. Pakistan International Airlines suspended its flights to Riyadh on October 9 following attacks on Saudi airports, while disruptions have also affected some passengers travelling to Jeddah.
Earlier reports indicated that dozens of flights had been cancelled or delayed at Pakistani airports, creating difficulties for travellers with confirmed bookings.
Such disruptions can affect the entire pilgrimage schedule, particularly for families who have arranged accommodation, local transportation and other services in advance.
Travel Operators Face Financial Pressure
The impact extends beyond pilgrims to travel agencies and businesses that depend on religious tourism. Operators often make advance payments for hotels, transportation and group arrangements, leaving them exposed when customers cancel or request refunds.
Asad Ali, deputy head of research at Topline Securities in Karachi, warned that prolonged uncertainty could put pressure on Umrah operators’ cash flows and profitability.
If cancellations continue, agencies may face additional costs from refunds, revised bookings and unused travel arrangements.
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Pakistanis Hope to Continue Their Umrah Plans
Despite the uncertainty, many Pakistani families remain determined to perform Umrah when conditions permit. For them, the pilgrimage is a deeply meaningful religious journey, but safety and the possibility of travel disruption remain important considerations.
The evolving security situation and airline schedules will influence whether families proceed with their planned departures or postpone their trips.
Pilgrims are advised to confirm flight status and booking conditions directly with their airlines and authorised travel operators before departure.
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