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Singapore develops contingency plans in case of disruptions to 2026 haj pilgrimage
The Straits Times
|April 09, 2026
In light of the Middle East conflict, contingency plans are being developed to deal with potential travel disruptions and other unforeseen incidents affecting the 2026 haj pilgrimage, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim.
Preparations for haj are proceeding as planned, with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) in close contact with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on the arrangements, he added.
MUIS will continue to monitor the latest developments in the region.
Speaking in Parliament on April 8, Associate Professor Faishal said the council is working with the Association of Muslim Travel Agents Singapore and haj travel agents to develop the contingency plans and ensure pilgrims have a safe pilgrimage.
"These include using direct flights to and from Saudi Arabia, choosing ground transport options less susceptible to disruption, and closer coordination of pilgrim movements in Medina, Mecca and Jeddah," said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.
This story is from the April 09, 2026 edition of The Straits Times.
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