Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – At least 20 international airlines are still restricting flights to Saudi Arabia even though King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has resumed operations. This situation has triggered concerns for the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI) and umrah pilgrims amid the conflict with Houthi groups. The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) urged the government to strengthen protection for WNI and promote peace diplomacy.
As reported by CNBC Indonesia, the situation is related to the deteriorating security conditions following attacks by Houthi groups from Yemen. Previously, King Khalid International Airport had been closed due to the security situation before reopening on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
In the limited operations, Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves international flights. However, the reopening of the airport has not yet guaranteed that all flight schedules will return to normal.
A number of airlines have even extended service suspensions until November 2026, while some others have delayed flights until early 2027.
Etihad Airways extended the cancellation of flights from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah until November 5, 2026. Meanwhile, Flydubai canceled flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha until October 29, with plans to resume services on October 30.
A longer suspension was carried out by Cathay Pacific. The Hong Kong-based airline extended the suspension of flights to Riyadh until January 31, 2027.
DPR Worried About Safety of Umrah Pilgrims
The Saudi Arabian government stated that debris from a Houthi missile that was successfully intercepted fell around 20 kilometers from the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Deputy Chair of Commission I of the DPR RI, Dave Laksono, asked the Indonesian government to increase vigilance and ensure protection for WNI.
“The safety of civilians and the security of holy places must be respected. Every action that has the potential to endanger the community and expand the conflict in the region needs to be stopped,” said Dave, as quoted from Kompas.com on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Dave encouraged the government to pursue the diplomatic path to prevent the conflict from expanding further. According to him, Indonesia needs to voice respect for state sovereignty, protection of civilians, and conflict resolution based on international law.
He also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with Indonesian representatives to continue monitoring security developments. Given that Saudi Arabia is the main destination for Indonesian umrah pilgrims. In addition to pilgrims who come for worship, there are also WNI who work, settle, and pursue education in that country.
“Coordination needs to run optimally so that security information is conveyed well and protection steps can be taken according to needs,” he said.
Read Also:
Singapore PM Urges Compliance with Commercial Contracts After Indonesia Gas Cut
Indonesia Encouraged to Strive for Ceasefire
Member of Commission I of the DPR RI, Oleh Soleh, also asked the Indonesian government to play an active role in encouraging a ceasefire between Houthi groups and Saudi Arabia. According to him, Indonesia can partner with other Islamic countries to encourage the cessation of attacks and open the way toward peace.
He assessed that Indonesia has an interest in contributing to the resolution of conflicts in the Middle East. Especially because military escalation has the potential to pose threats to civilians and WNI who are in that region.
“Do not let this armed conflict endanger our umrah pilgrims. Indonesian people who come to the Holy Land must be able to carry out worship safely and calmly. Therefore, the cessation of attacks becomes a very important matter,” he concluded. (aan/mzm)
