Riyadh:Makkah Daily activities in Makkah and Madinah continue as normal after the attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, flight disruptions are a concern for Malaysians residing there and their families back home.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Saiful Maznan Muhamad, an independent 'mutawwif' (pilgrims guide) in Makkah, stated that conditions in the two holy cities have remained stable, with umrah rituals proceeding smoothly. He noted that Malaysian pilgrims under his guidance remain calm, despite family concerns back in Malaysia due to security developments in the Middle East. Travel plans for umrah pilgrims currently depend on airline directives, particularly for those on transit flights or affected by rescheduling.
He advised pilgrims scheduled to depart soon to stay updated through their travel agencies and airlines before making any travel decisions. For those planning umrah, he suggested direct flights to minimize the risk of disruptions caused by transit issues. The Malaysian Consulate in Jeddah is available for assistance if pilgrims encounter problems, such as flight delays.
Meanwhile, Ku Anis Nabila Ku Azman, a Malaysian nurse residing in Riyadh, reported that daily life in the city continues as usual, with locals remaining calm despite the incident. She received information about the attack through a WhatsApp group for the Malaysian community. Although the situation has raised concerns about flight cancellations and delays, she urged family members in Malaysia to remain calm, pray for their safety, and seek information from verified sources.
The attack at the King Khalid International Airport reportedly resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries. Following the attack, civil aviation authorities temporarily suspended airport operations.