TRENGGALEK – The Jeddah-Surabaya direct flight continues to operate normally despite rising tensions in the Middle East. Umrah pilgrims from Trenggalek, East Java, have been able to return home without disruption.

Travel officials said problems mainly affect passengers whose flights require transit in several Middle Eastern countries. Pilgrims using direct routes to Indonesia have not faced major delays.

H. M. Fajar Mustofa, Operations Director of PT Jabal Noor Nurut Taqwa Haramain, said the situation in Makkah remains calm. Religious activities are continuing as usual.

“Conditions in Makkah are safe. Worship activities are running normally,” Fajar told Jawa Pos Radar Trenggalek on Thursday (March 5).

He explained that the recent attack occurred at a United States military base in Riyadh. The location is far from the Islamic holy cities.

Riyadh is about 860 kilometers from Makkah. It is around 950 kilometers from Jeddah and about 820 kilometers from Madinah. Because of this distance, the incident has not affected pilgrims.

“Since it is very far from the worship areas, the situation does not disturb pilgrims,” he said.

According to Fajar, delays mostly involve airlines that require transit in countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, or Oman. These routes depend on connecting flights.

However, direct flights from Jeddah to Indonesia remain stable and continue to operate normally.

“Most passengers who are still waiting are those on transit routes. Direct flights to Indonesia have no issues,” he said.

Pilgrims organized by PT Jabal Noor are not affected by the disruption. The travel agency uses airlines that provide direct flights to Indonesia.

Travel data shows that 82 pilgrims returned to Indonesia on February 26 using the Jeddah–Surabaya direct flight. Another group of 30 pilgrims flew home on March 2 through the same route.

Meanwhile, some pilgrims using transit flights still face uncertainty about their return schedules.

The Indonesian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised them to consider switching airlines if seats are available. However, changing flights may require purchasing new tickets.

Some travelers have chosen to wait for their original airline schedules. As a result, they may need to stay longer at the airport.

Fajar also commented on reports that Trenggalek Regent Mochamad Nur Arifin is currently performing umrah. He said he is not part of the same group but occasionally sees the regent during worship.

Overall, he reassured families in Indonesia that pilgrims from Trenggalek remain safe.

“In general, the pilgrims from Trenggalek are safe. Worship in Makkah continues normally,” he said.