KULAI: First-time umrah pilgrims from Johor were left disappointed after Malaysia Airlines rescheduled their flight from Senai to Jeddah amid heightened security concerns affecting air travel in Saudi Arabia.
The affected pilgrims, who had spent weeks preparing for their journey, said they accepted the decision while awaiting confirmation of a new departure date.
Umieynoratiqah Abdullah, 27, a financial consultant from Johor Baru, said her travel agency informed her of the rescheduling at 10.40am yesterday.
She was due to travel with her husband and elder sister on Malaysia Airlines flight MH154, scheduled to depart Senai International Airport at 2.50pm for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
"We were initially sad, especially as this was our first umrah trip, but we accept it as Allah's will," she said.
Umieynoratiqah said her travel group comprised about 29 people, including friends and clients, who were also awaiting details of the revised travel arrangements.
She said the agency had yet to provide further information on the replacement flight.
Another pilgrim, customer service officer Muhd Qusyairi Ramli, 26, said he was informed of the rescheduling at 9am yesterday.
He was due to travel with nine family members, including his parents, who had come from Kelantan, for their first umrah pilgrimage.
"We were disappointed because we had been looking forward to the trip for a long time. All our preparations were complete and we were just waiting to depart.
"But we accept the situation and hope we will have the opportunity to go soon," he said.
Qusyairi said the travel agency had informed them that a new departure date would be announced soon, although alternative flight arrangements remained unclear.
Checks at Senai International Airport today found no affected pilgrims at the terminal, as they had been informed of the rescheduling in advance.
Malaysia Airlines rescheduled the direct Senai-Jeddah service amid heightened security concerns affecting air travel in Saudi Arabia.
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