Article by Viory
Travel agencies in Malaysia are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East as ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States raise concerns about potential disruptions to the aviation and tourism industries, particularly concerning the holy Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Umrah.
Footage from Amani Travel Agency’s office in Nilai on Tuesday shows staff members carrying out their daily tasks, managing administrative duties and checking air ticket prices online while tracking changes impacting international travel routes.
According to General Manager of Amani Travel, Mohd Anas, the situation remains fluid, as several Gulf countries have begun reopening their airspace after days of conflict.
The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel first strunk Iran. In response, Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military bases across the region, including in several Gulf countries.
“Iran has assured that after approximately eight days of conflict, it will refrain from attacking Gulf countries unless provoked by a direct strike from them,” he stated, adding that areas like the United Arab Emirates have already returned to regular flight operations.
However, several countries in the region remain cautious, with Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain yet to reopen their airspace amid ongoing attacks.
The conflict has heightened interest in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime trade route for oil.
“Approximately 20 percent, or one-fifth, of global oil shipments transit through the Strait of Hormuz,” Anas explained. “While Iran has claimed it will not obstruct vessels, many ships remain reluctant to navigate the area.”
This uncertainty has led to soaring global oil prices.
Crude oil prices jumped from a trading range of US$60–US$70 per barrel to above US$100, briefly peaking near US$119.50 in early March.
While to date, airlines have not significantly raised ticket prices, Anas cautioned that if the conflict extends for several months, travel costs could escalate.
“Our estimates suggest that if the situation continues for an extended period, travel package prices could rise by approximately 20 percent,” he indicated.
Currently, Amani Travel continues to manage Umrah (minor Islamic pilgrimage) flights using Malaysia Airlines and Saudi Airlines on direct routes, with pilgrims experiencing minimal disruptions.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Fadlishah, a director of Hayya Travel based in Subang Jaya, noted that some early disruptions have already surfaced.
“Currently, some of our pilgrims are stranded and unable to return home. Many airspace sectors have also been closed to flights… Recently we have also seen airlines announcing that there may be adjustments or slight increases in ticket prices… Most Umrah operators are now being very cautious,” he explained.
“When airlines adjust routes, they incur additional costs, which ultimately raises operational expenses,” he added.
Some Umrah operators have already prepared to revise travel schedules based on developments in the region.
Fadlishah pointed out that historical crises provide insight into potential consequences should the conflict intensify.
“Reflecting on past crises, such as during COVID-19, travel costs surged by around 15 to 30 percent,” he noted.
Any increase in costs would likely impact the entire Umrah package, including flights, accommodations, meals, insurance, and pilgrimage-related services.
Article by Viory
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