Maldivian has postponed its scheduled Umrah flight from Malé to Jeddah on Thursday, 29 October 2026, following a significant deterioration in the security situation across the Middle East.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS), which operates the national airline Maldivian, announced that the flight had been postponed due to growing safety and security concerns affecting regional aviation operations.
IAS said it has been closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, and that the security situation had deteriorated significantly over the past 24 hours.
According to the airline, its latest security assessment identified potential threats to passenger safety, making it necessary to postpone the scheduled flight.
The airline further stated that several international carriers have already suspended operations to Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional tensions. It also cited advisories issued by international aviation authorities indicating significant restrictions on the use of Jeddah’s airspace.
IAS and the Maldives Hajj Corporation jointly decided to reschedule the flight, emphasizing that passenger safety remains their highest priority.
Both organizations apologized for the inconvenience caused to Umrah pilgrims and assured affected passengers that necessary assistance would be provided.
A new departure date has not yet been confirmed. IAS said revised travel arrangements would be communicated once the regional security situation stabilizes and safe flight operations can be guaranteed.
The postponement has disrupted travel plans for Maldivian pilgrims intending to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, as heightened regional security concerns continue to affect international aviation.
