Egypt Boosts Oversight of Umrah Flights as Regional Tensions Cause Delays

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said it is closely monitoring the travel and return of Egyptian Umrah pilgrims between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, coordinating with authorities in both countries amid current regional developments that have led to delays in some flight schedules.

Minister orders intensified field monitoring

Minister Sherif Fathy instructed that field monitoring and communication with tourism companies organising Umrah trips be strengthened to track any developments that could affect travel programmes and to address them promptly, thereby ensuring smooth flight operations and maintaining service quality for pilgrims throughout the season.

Monitoring committees positioned at key gateways

Assistant Minister Samia Sami explained that the ministry’s committees continue to oversee Umrah programmes and the movement of pilgrims on their outbound and return journeys. She noted that the committees are stationed at Cairo International Airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, with additional field teams operating in Mecca and Medina.

Addressing exceptional regional conditions

Sami stressed that the exceptional nature of the current regional situation and the risk of flight schedule disruptions must be taken into account. She highlighted the efforts of the Chamber of Tourism Establishments and Egyptian tourism companies to manage these developments, and said there is ongoing coordination with Saudi authorities and all relevant parties to lessen the impact of any delays while protecting pilgrims’ rights, considering the circumstances of tourism firms, and limiting the repercussions of regional events on Umrah programmes. She also reminded citizens to respect the mandates of all authorities regulating air traffic and implementing safety measures.

Guidance for tourism companies

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities urged tourism companies organising Umrah trips to continually monitor flight schedules in coordination with carriers, promptly inform pilgrims of any updates or changes to travel times, and provide up‑to‑date information and necessary guidance to facilitate travel and ensure a safe return.