KUALA LUMPUR – Two haj charter flights operated by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) have been delayed by at least 24 hours due to flight safety concerns and recent airspace disruptions in the Middle East, following missile strikes and regional closures.
TH said the affected flights are KT043 (MH8301), originally scheduled to depart Madinah at 5.10am (Saudi time), and KT034 (MH8291) from Jeddah at 6.40am.
“Both charter flights have been delayed by at least 24 hours from their original schedule. New departure times are being arranged, taking into account multiple current factors, including air traffic coordination and logistical requirements,” the agency said in a statement.
To ensure pilgrims’ welfare, TH has arranged temporary hotel accommodation in both cities, with return logistics being coordinated with Malaysia Airlines.
So far, 39 haj flights have returned safely to Malaysia, with 61 more scheduled.
The disruption follows Iran’s missile strike on the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar yesterday, in retaliation for a US attack a day earlier on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Several Arab states, including Qatar and the UAE, temporarily closed their airspace, causing widespread flight disruptions.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that several Malaysian flights to the Middle East were cancelled following the incident, citing safety concerns.
“The Notam was issued because there was a war conflict… so of course there was a risk to air travel. Indeed, no airline can fly through that airspace because it is closed,” he said at a press conference in Sepang, Bernama reported.
Loke said airlines were instructed to take mitigation measures to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
“These mitigation measures include providing temporary accommodation while waiting for airspace to reopen,” he added.
He also noted that flight paths to Europe have been affected, with many airlines rerouting via northern corridors, including over Afghanistan – a shift that began two weeks ago amid mounting tensions.
Malaysia Airlines was among those impacted. Flight MH160 to Doha turned back mid-air last night, while MH164, scheduled for 2.55am today, was cancelled. Two earlier MAS flights to Doha on June 23 landed safely, one with a slight delay.
As of 4pm, flight operations are gradually stabilising. Checks at KLIA found no new cancellations, though some delays were reported, including Qatar Airways’ QR845 to Doha.
Qatar and the UAE have since reopened their airspace. Malaysia Airlines’ next MH160 and other upcoming flights to Doha are listed as “on time”.
AirAsia X said its services to Jeddah and Madinah remain unaffected, but it is monitoring the situation.
International carriers responded cautiously. Singapore Airlines suspended flights to Dubai until June 25. Air France-KLM, Finnair, and Air Astana also temporarily halted Gulf services, while British Airways resumed flights to Dubai and Doha as of June 25.
Although conditions have eased, analysts caution that further disruptions remain possible depending on regional developments. – June 24, 2025