Some Singapore pilgrims press ahead with Umrah plans despite advisory, others face cancellations

It said it would continue to monitor flight schedules and coordinate with relevant parties, with any changes or disruptions communicated to affected pilgrims.

It has also registered its pilgrims through MFA’s eRegister portal to facilitate communication and coordination if necessary.

As part of its emergency preparations, an appointed staff member would also carry copies of pilgrims’ passports and passport-sized photographs.

Meanwhile, Travelconnect is reviewing upcoming departures with airlines and its ground operators in Saudi Arabia.

As of Wednesday, about 5 per cent of customers booked for year-end departures to Saudi Arabia had contacted the agency about either postponing or cancelling their trips, said its director Mohamed Nafis Rahman.

But some customers have also expressed a desire to proceed with their trips, he added.

“We understand their intentions but any decision to proceed must take into account the official advisories, flight availability and the safety of the ground arrangements,” said Mr Nafis.

For pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia, tour leaders and ground operators are maintaining close contact with them, checking on their welfare and monitoring their return flights, he said. 

Hamidah Travel & Tours told CNA on Wednesday that it planned to speak to its pilgrims following the advisory issued by MFA and MUIS.

The agency’s director, Badruzzaman Abdul Majid, said it would continue to monitor the situation. If flight cancellations affect its pilgrims, the agency would arrange alternative flights.

The company had a group of pilgrims in Madinah as of Tuesday.

While agencies are monitoring the security situation and keeping upcoming departures under review, pilgrims who decide not to travel face another consideration: how much of what they have paid can they get back?