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 tyre incident on the road to Makkah, and finally Umrah before Hajj season — this is our personal April 2026 journey.

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.

Everything seemed settled — until 28 February 2026, when conflict in the Middle East triggered major regional airspace disruption.

That was when the worry began.

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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.

But refund was not our biggest concern. Some of us had onward journeys to Cairo, Athens and Türkiye after Umrah. Others were scheduled to return to Sibu. Hotels, connecting flights and transport had already been arranged.

One cancelled flight could affect the entire itinerary.

The KLIA Counter Moment That Changed Everything

After trying to look for alternatives online, I decided to go directly to KLIA.

At the Qatar Airways counter, the staff checked our booking references. Then she asked:

“Encik masih nak singgah Doha?”

At that moment, my stress level dropped. It was a positive question. It meant there was still a solution.

I replied:

“Jika tak dapat, tak apa.”

Then the staff said:

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

I asked:

“Ok, tapi ada bayaran tambahan tak?”

The answer was beautiful:

“Tiada bayaran tambahan.”

Alhamdulillah. Within minutes, the problem that had caused days of stress was resolved. The staff printed our travel documents, and our journey to Madinah could continue.

Flying Direct to Madinah with Malaysia Airlines

Our original Doha stopover had to wait for another time. Instead, we travelled from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah with Malaysia Airlines.

The flight was comfortable, and we received thoughtful travel gifts such as a compact prayer mat and a water bottle. Small items, but meaningful for Umrah travellers.

We had lost our Doha layover, but we were heading to Madinah. That was more than enough.

Arrival in Madinah: My eSIM 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

We had pre-booked private transport from Makkah Travel to take us from Madinah Airport to our hotel.

For families, senior travellers and small groups, private transport is very helpful. After a long flight, you do not need to negotiate, split into multiple vehicles, or worry about hotel directions.

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

After Madinah, we travelled to Makkah using the same transport provider. We stopped at Masjid Dhul Hulaifah, commonly known by Malaysian pilgrims as Bir Ali, for miqat.

The journey changed from ordinary travel into preparation for worship.

The Tyre Incident on the Road to Makkah

Before reaching Makkah, one of the vehicle tyres burst. Alhamdulillah, the driver managed to control the vehicle and slowly moved to the side of the road.

We were told not to leave the vehicle or help. The driver had to change the tyre himself while all passengers remained inside.

At that moment, delay no longer mattered. Safety mattered.

Alhamdulillah, we were protected and able to continue.

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

For DIY Umrah travellers, the question is no longer only:

“Hotel mana paling dekat?”

The better question is:

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

Our Days in Makkah

In Makkah, life revolved around Masjid al-Haram — prayer, tawaf, rest, walking, food, returning to the hotel and preparing again.

Beyond the construction, hotels and crowds, the Kaabah remains the centre.

All the worries about cancelled flights, airspace closures, rebookings and transport problems suddenly felt small.

We had worried whether the journey would happen at all. Now we were there.

Alhamdulillah.

After Tawaf Wida: Taif and Jeddah

After completing Tawaf Wida, we travelled to Taif for a day trip before continuing briefly to Jeddah and then to Jeddah Airport.

At this stage, our group split into two.

One group continued their Umrah Plus journey to Cairo and Türkiye. Another group returned to Sibu, with their checked luggage arranged according to their ticketed itinerary.

Lessons from This April 2026 Umrah Journey

• A cancelled flight does not always mean the journey is over.
• Good airline service matters most when things go wrong.
• Airport counter staff may have solutions not obvious online.
• Buy your eSIM before departure.
• Pre-arranged private transport is useful for groups and seniors.
• Hotel distance is not the same as walking difficulty.
• DIY Umrah needs flexibility.
• We plan, but Allah decides the route.

A Final Reflection

When I think back to this journey, I do not first remember the hotel room, the airline meal or the ticket price.

I remember uncertainty.

I remember the cancellation email.

I remember friends waiting in Kuching and Sibu.

I remember standing at the Qatar Airways counter at KLIA and hearing:

“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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