Our April 2026 Umrah Journey: When Flight Disruption Changed Our Route, But Not Our Destination

From a cancelled Qatar Airways itinerary and regional airspace uncertainty to an unexpected Malaysia Airlines flight direct to Madinah, peaceful days near Masjid Nabawi, a frightening tyre incident on the road to Makkah, and finally Umrah before Hajj season — this is our personal April 2026 journey.

There are journeys we plan carefully.

And then there are journeys that remind us, very gently but very clearly, that no matter how carefully we plan, the final arrangement belongs to Allah.

Our Umrah journey in April 2026 became one of those journeys.

What began as a carefully arranged trip with Qatar Airways, including a planned layover in Doha before continuing to Madinah, suddenly became uncertain when conflict erupted across the Middle East.

For some travellers, a cancelled flight simply means changing a holiday date.

For us, it was far more complicated.

Some members of our group had onward journeys to Cairo, Athens and Türkiye after completing Umrah. Others were scheduled to return home to Sibu. Many connecting and onward tickets had already been purchased.

And above all, we hoped to complete our Umrah before the approaching Hajj season.

This is our story.

We Booked Qatar Airways About Two Months Before Departure

About two months before departure, we booked our tickets directly through the Qatar Airways website. Our original plan was simple: fly with Qatar Airways, enjoy a layover in Doha, and then continue to Madinah.

I personally liked the idea.

A Doha stopover would add another dimension to the journey, and Qatar Airways had long been an airline I regarded highly. We were not simply buying transportation from Point A to Point B; we were building a complete journey around the flight schedule.

Everything seemed settled.

Then came 28 February 2026.

A major conflict erupted when the United States and Israel launched strikes across Iran. The consequences quickly spread far beyond the immediate conflict zone. Airspace closures and operational disruptions affected aviation throughout the Middle East.

Suddenly, our carefully planned route through Doha no longer felt certain.

That was when the worry began.

Dapatkah perjalanan ini diteruskan?

Could we still go?

The Email We Did Not Want to Receive

By the middle of March, we received an email notification that our flight had been cancelled. Qatar Airways gave us the option of a full refund.

Strangely, the refund itself was not our greatest concern.

We had booked with a premium international airline, and I believed Qatar Airways would handle the financial side professionally.

The real problem was everything connected to that first flight.

Some of us planned to continue after Umrah to Cairo, Athens and Türkiye.

Others would return to Sibu after completing Umrah.

Those tickets had already been purchased.

Hotels had been arranged.

Transport had been planned.

Dates had been coordinated.

If we cancelled or postponed the initial journey, the consequences could spread across the entire itinerary.

One cancelled sector could affect several other bookings.

And there was another concern that mattered deeply to us: the window before Umrah travel became increasingly affected by preparations for the Hajj season.

The stress began to build.

When the Situation Eased, We Decided Not to Give Up

As the immediate intensity of the conflict appeared to ease, we decided to continue trying.

We searched for alternative flights through the Qatar Airways website.

But the situation remained complicated. Some sectors and air routes were still affected, and finding a practical alternative for the whole group was not easy.

We even tried looking for a Qatar Airways office in Kuala Lumpur.

At that point, the stress level was rising.

Every alternative seemed to create another problem.

Then a simple thought came into my mind:

Why not try KLIA?

Sometimes we search everywhere for a complicated solution when the answer is waiting at an airport counter.

So I went to KLIA.

The Question That Changed Everything

Upon arriving at the Qatar Airways counter, I explained the situation and provided our booking references.

The staff checked the bookings.

Then came a question I still remember clearly:

“Encik masih nak singgah Doha?”

Do you still want to stop in Doha?

Immediately, my stress level dropped.

Why?

Because it was a positive question.

The staff was not telling me that nothing could be done.

She was asking me to choose.

But I also knew that my answer could affect friends travelling from Kuching and Sibu who were waiting for news. Some had onward arrangements after Umrah. Our priority was simply to reach the Holy Land and perform Umrah before the Hajj season.

So I replied:

“Jika tak dapat, tak apa.”

If Doha was no longer possible, that was fine.

Then came the sentence I had been hoping to hear:

“Kami tukar penerbangan group ke Malaysia Airlines dari KLIA direct ke Madinah, ok tak?”

They could move our group to a Malaysia Airlines-operated journey from KLIA directly to Madinah.

I immediately asked the practical question:

“Ok, tapi ada bayaran tambahan tak?”

Would there be any additional payment?

The answer was beautiful:

“Tiada bayaran tambahan.”

The staff explained the airline partnership arrangement applicable to our booking.

Alhamdulillah.

I could only smile.

A wide smile.

The kind of smile that comes after carrying uncertainty for days and suddenly seeing a path open in front of you.

Then Came Another Unexpected Piece of Good News

There were still two members of our group who would return to Sibu after Umrah.

Their return journey from Jeddah via Doha remained unchanged.

Then the staff explained that their baggage arrangements could continue through to Sibu according to their ticketed itinerary, subject of course to normal check-in procedures and acceptance conditions.

For travellers from Sarawak, this kind of detail matters.

After a long Umrah journey, the thought of unnecessarily collecting and rechecking heavy luggage during transit can be exhausting.

I was almost speechless.

I simply smiled with gratitude.

And within moments of my saying:

“OK.”

the staff proceeded with the new arrangements and printed our travel documents.

A problem that had caused days of worry was resolved in minutes at the airport counter.

Alhamdulillah.

That moment remains one of my strongest memories of the entire journey.

My Personal Lesson

When major disruptions happen, websites and automated emails are useful — but sometimes a calm conversation with an experienced airline staff member can reveal options that are not obvious to an ordinary passenger.

Our experience also reminded me why the choice of airline can matter when an itinerary becomes complicated.

A cheap ticket is attractive when everything goes according to plan.

But when things go wrong, service becomes part of the value of the ticket.

Flying Direct to Madinah with Malaysia Airlines

Our original Doha stopover had to wait for another time.

We accepted that.

The regional conflict had changed our plans, but it had not ended our journey.

Instead, we travelled from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah on Malaysia Airlines.

The flight was comfortable, and there were small touches that felt especially appropriate for passengers travelling for Umrah.

Among the items we received were useful travel gifts such as a compact prayer mat and a small water bottle suitable for carrying water for personal use, including when preparing for prayer while travelling.

These were simple items.

But on an Umrah journey, simple things can carry special meaning.

We had lost our Doha stopover.

But we were heading to Madinah.

That was more than enough.

Arrival in Madinah — and My First Mistake

Upon arrival at Madinah Airport, I realised I had forgotten to buy an eSIM earlier. Ironically, I am also affiliated with travel eSIM providers such as Airalo and Trip.com.

Because I forgot, I had to buy mobile data at the airport at a much higher price.

Lesson learned: buy and install your eSIM before departure, especially when your travel plans are already complicated.

Private Transfer from Madinah Airport

Before departure, we had already arranged private transportation through Makkah Travel & Tour.

This made our arrival much easier.

After immigration, baggage collection and the usual tiredness of a long international journey, there was great comfort in knowing that transport had already been arranged.

For families, senior travellers and small groups, I personally find pre-arranged private transport especially valuable.

You do not need to negotiate after a long flight.

You do not need to split the group between several vehicles.

You do not need to worry about explaining the hotel location repeatedly.

We simply continued to our hotel.

Our Stay at Al Mukhtara International Hotel, Madinah

In Madinah, we stayed at Al Mukhtara International Hotel. The hotel was practical for our group and not too far from Masjid Nabawi.

For me, a Madinah hotel should not be judged by luxury alone. I usually consider:

• walking distance to Masjid Nabawi;
• whether the route is manageable for seniors;
• nearby food and shops;
• ATM access;
• and whether the group can return to the hotel between prayers.

Madinah has a different rhythm. Makkah is powerful, but Madinah is gentle. Walking towards Masjid Nabawi, hearing the adhan, seeing pilgrims from many countries — it reminds us why this journey is so special.

From Madinah to Makkah via Bir Ali

Eventually, the day came to leave Madinah.

There is always a certain sadness in that departure.

You pack your bags.

You check the room.

You gather the group.

The vehicle arrives.

But emotionally, leaving Madinah never feels like an ordinary hotel checkout.

We continued with the same transport provider, Makkah Travel & Tour, for our journey towards Makkah.

Our route included an important stop:

Masjid Dhul Hulaifah, commonly known among Malaysian pilgrims as Bir Ali.

This was where we prepared for ihram and miqat before continuing towards Makkah.

The atmosphere of the journey changed.

We were no longer simply travelling between two cities.

We were entering the next stage of our worship.

Then, on the Road to Makkah, a Tyre Burst

The journey brought another unexpected moment.

Before reaching Makkah, one of the vehicle's tyres failed.

For a few seconds, everything depended on the driver's ability to remain calm and control the vehicle.

Alhamdulillah, he did.

He gradually guided the vehicle safely towards the right side of the road and brought the situation under control.

We were told not to get out of the vehicle and not to attempt to help.

Then came the part I still find difficult to imagine.

The driver had to deal with the tyre himself while all of us remained inside the vehicle.

Think about that.

A vehicle carrying passengers.

Luggage.

The heat.

The roadside environment.

And one driver handling the situation.

I remember watching and thinking about how easily a journey can change within seconds.

We often complain about delays.

But at that moment, delay did not matter.

Safety mattered.

Alhamdulillah, we were protected and able to continue our journey.

Our Stay at Al Ebaa Hotel, Makkah

In Makkah, we stayed at Al Ebaa Hotel. The hotel was within walking distance to Masjid al-Haram through the area near Anjum Hotel.

However, I want to be transparent: Al Ebaa Hotel may not be suitable for seniors with knee pain, leg problems or mobility issues, because the walking route includes uphill sections.

A hotel can be good, affordable and practical — but still not suitable for every traveller.

Makkah Is Changing: Jabal Omar and Luxury Hotels

During our stay, we could clearly see how much Makkah is changing. Major development around Masjid al-Haram and Jabal Omar has transformed the hotel landscape.

Many older and more affordable hotel areas near the Haram are gradually being replaced or surrounded by larger premium developments.

Some well-known hotels around the Jabal Omar area include:

• Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel, Makkah
• Hilton Suites Makkah
• Conrad Makkah
• Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
• Address Jabal Omar Makkah
• DoubleTree by Hilton Jabal Omar Makkah

These hotels offer comfort, modern facilities and, in many cases, excellent access to the Haram area.

But they also reflect a broader change.

The geography of affordable accommodation near Masjid al-Haram is shifting.

For budget-conscious pilgrims, especially families and DIY Umrah travellers, this creates a new challenge.

The question is no longer simply:

“Hotel mana paling dekat?”

The better question may be:

“Hotel mana paling sesuai dengan bajet, umur, kesihatan dan kemampuan berjalan?”

A slightly more distant hotel with a manageable route may sometimes be better than a theoretically closer hotel involving a difficult slope.

Likewise, a more expensive hotel may be worth considering for elderly parents if it significantly reduces physical strain.

There is no single “best hotel” for everyone.

The Third Expansion and the Scale of Modern Makkah

From the area around  Anjum Hotel, the scale of development near Masjid al-Haram was impossible to ignore.

The expansion projects around the mosque are not merely architectural.

They influence:

• pedestrian movement;
• hotel access;
• walking routes;
• crowd flow;
• transport pickup points;
• and the practical experience of pilgrims.

For DIY travellers, this means old assumptions can quickly become outdated.

A route remembered from several years ago may have changed.

A pickup point may move.

A road may be redirected.

A hotel that once felt isolated may become strategically located after new development.

And an area once known for affordable accommodation may gradually become dominated by premium hotels.

This is why I always encourage travellers to check recent maps, recent guest reviews and the actual walking route before booking.

Our Days in Makkah

In Makkah, life revolved around Masjid al-Haram.

Prayer.

Tawaf.

Rest.

Walking.

Waiting for one another.

Finding food.

Returning to the hotel.

Then preparing again.

For a first-time visitor, the physical scale of the Haram can be overwhelming.

For a returning visitor, the changes can be equally surprising.

Yet beyond the construction, hotels, roads and crowds, the Kaabah remains the centre.

There is a moment when you enter and see it again.

For many people, words become unnecessary.

All the worries about cancelled flights, airspace closures, rebookings, hotel reservations and transport arrangements suddenly feel very small.

We had worried whether the journey would happen at all.

Now we were there.

Alhamdulillah.

After Tawaf Wida: Taif and Jeddah

After completing our final stage in Makkah and performing Tawaf Wida according to our travel arrangements, we began the next part of the journey.

Before heading towards Jeddah and the airport, we travelled to Taif for a day trip.

The change in landscape and atmosphere offered a very different experience after the intensity of Makkah.

Taif gave us a brief pause before the final transition.

From there, we continued towards Jeddah.

Our time in Jeddah was brief.

By then, the journey was approaching another turning point.

At Jeddah Airport, our group would split.

One Umrah Journey, Two Different Roads

This was where the group separated.

One group continued their Umrah Plus journey to Cairo and Türkiye.

Another group began the journey home to Sibu.

For those returning to Sibu, the through-ticketing and baggage arrangements associated with their itinerary made the long journey home more manageable, subject to the airline's check-in procedures.

For the others, Umrah was not the end of the journey.

Cairo and Türkiye were waiting.

Different flights.

Different destinations.

Different plans.

But the same shared memories of Madinah and Makkah.

What This Journey Taught Me

Looking back, our April 2026 Umrah journey taught me several lessons.

1. A cancelled flight does not always mean the journey is over

Sometimes it means the journey must change.

2. Airline service matters most when something goes wrong

When everything operates normally, passengers often compare airlines mainly by price.

During disruption, other factors become important:

• rebooking assistance;
• partnership networks;
• staff experience;
• alternative routing;
• and human decision-making.

3. Do not underestimate airport staff

Our problem had caused days of stress.

At the airport counter, it was resolved within minutes.

4. Buy your eSIM before departure

I learned this one the expensive way.

5. Pre-arranged transport can be worth the money

Especially for groups, families and senior travellers.

6. Hotel distance is not the same as walking difficulty

A short route with a slope may be harder than a longer flat route.

7. Build flexibility into a DIY Umrah itinerary

Conflicts, airspace closures, weather, operational changes and personal circumstances can affect even the best plan.

8. Never forget who is truly in control of the journey

We plan.

We book.

We pay.

We organise.

But sometimes a route closes and another opens.

Planning Your Own Umrah Journey?

My journey was personal, but some of the services I use and discuss may also help other travellers plan their own trip.

Search and Compare Hotels

For Madinah and Makkah accommodation, I recommend comparing:

• actual walking routes;
• recent guest reviews;
• room configuration;
• cancellation terms;
• breakfast options;
• and total price.

You may wish to compare hotels such as Al Mukhtara International Hotel in Madinah and Al Ebaa Hotel in Makkah, as well as alternative properties based on your budget and mobility needs.

A Final Reflection

When I think back to this journey, I do not first remember the hotel room.

I do not first remember the airline meal.

I do not first remember the price of the ticket.

I remember uncertainty.

I remember reading the cancellation email.

I remember thinking about friends waiting in Kuching and Sibu.

I remember the onward tickets already purchased for Cairo, Athens and Türkiye.

I remember wondering whether we would reach the Holy Land before the Hajj season.

Then I remember standing at the Qatar Airways counter at KLIA.

And I remember one simple question:

“Encik masih nak singgah Doha?”

At that moment, a journey that seemed to be closing suddenly opened again.

We wanted Doha. We were given a direct path to Madinah.

We worried about cancellation. We were given another flight.

We faced a tyre problem on the road. The driver controlled the vehicle safely.

We watched Makkah changing before our eyes. Yet the purpose of our journey remained unchanged.

We planned the itinerary. But Allah allowed the journey.

May Allah accept our Umrah, forgive our shortcomings, protect all travellers, grant peace to those affected by conflict, and invite us again to Madinah and Makkah in the best circumstances.

Ameen.

Plan Your Own DIY Umrah Journey

Before booking, compare flights, hotels, transport, eSIM and visa requirements carefully. Conditions can change quickly, especially during regional disruptions or before Hajj season.

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