S'poreans urged to postpone non-essential travel to the Middle East amid escalating tensions
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said that all Singaporean haj pilgrims that performed their pilgrimage in 2025 have returned to Singapore safely. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Family members awaiting with posters to welcome back the final group of Singaporean haj pilgrims on June 25. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim welcoming back the final group of Singaporean haj pilgrims at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on June 25. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
SINGAPORE – Singaporeans planning non-essential trips to areas affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are urged to postpone their trips and adhere to travel advisories by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .
This is because the authorities are concerned over the escalating tensions in the region, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim.
Speaking to the media at Changi Airport on June 25, Associate Professor Faishal noted that 43 haj pilgrims who were supposed to return to Singapore on a June 23 Scoot flight from Jeddah were affected when the flight was cancelled.
An alternative flight via Malaysia Airlines was subsequently arranged, and the pilgrims safely landed back in Singapore on June 25, he said.
Scoot had earlier cited operational and safety considerations for cancelling some flights to and from Jeddah, amid military strikes between Israel and Iran.
Prof Faishal, who was at the airport to welcome home the final batch of haj pilgrims, said there were also some Singaporeans studying in the Middle East who were stranded after having booked flights home.
They included students from Islamic universities in Jordan and Egypt, such as Al-Azhar University.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore has contacted the students, and they are currently on their journey back to Singapore, he added.
Prof Faishal said that all Singaporean haj pilgrims who performed their pilgrimage in 2025 have returned to Singapore safely.
The haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes place over five or six days.
In 2025, Singapore and Saudi Arabia struck a deal to allow 900 slots for Singaporeans to perform the haj pilgrimage.
Family members welcome back the final group of Singaporean haj pilgrims at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on June 25.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
At the airport, Prof Faishal congratulated the Saudi Arabian government for its 'tremendous effort' in organising a successful haj for 1.67 million pilgrims around the world.
He also noted that there were about 890 outpatient visits in 2025 to the Singapore Pilgrims' Affairs Office (Spao) in Shisha and Madinah.
Spao introduced a hybrid model for medical services in 2024, working closely with a Saudi-based medical service provider and appointing medical professionals to be attached to respective haj travel agents for the medical needs of pilgrims.
Prof Faishal said: 'Spao's hybrid model worked well with medical teams from both Singapore and Saudi, and we were able to provide medical attention and quality care to our pilgrims.'
Prof Faishal, who took over the Muslim Affairs portfolio from Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli in May, said he has received encouraging feedback from pilgrims and their family members that bus services and facilities in Arafah and Mina, two significant locations in Makkah, have improved.
He urged returning pilgrims to continue monitoring their health and to seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Straits Times
S'poreans urged to postpone non-essential travel to the Middle East amid escalating tensions
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said that all Singaporean haj pilgrims that performed their pilgrimage in 2025 have returned to Singapore safely. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Family members awaiting with posters to welcome back the final group of Singaporean haj pilgrims on June 25. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim welcoming back the final group of Singaporean haj pilgrims at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on June 25. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – Singaporeans planning non-essential trips to areas affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are urged to postpone their trips and adhere to travel advisories by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . This is because the authorities are concerned over the escalating tensions in the region, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. Speaking to the media at Changi Airport on June 25, Associate Professor Faishal noted that 43 haj pilgrims who were supposed to return to Singapore on a June 23 Scoot flight from Jeddah were affected when the flight was cancelled. An alternative flight via Malaysia Airlines was subsequently arranged, and the pilgrims safely landed back in Singapore on June 25, he said. Scoot had earlier cited operational and safety considerations for cancelling some flights to and from Jeddah, amid military strikes between Israel and Iran. Prof Faishal, who was at the airport to welcome home the final batch of haj pilgrims, said there were also some Singaporeans studying in the Middle East who were stranded after having booked flights home. They included students from Islamic universities in Jordan and Egypt, such as Al-Azhar University. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore has contacted the students, and they are currently on their journey back to Singapore, he added. Prof Faishal said that all Singaporean haj pilgrims who performed their pilgrimage in 2025 have returned to Singapore safely. The haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes place over five or six days. In 2025, Singapore and Saudi Arabia struck a deal to allow 900 slots for Singaporeans to perform the haj pilgrimage. Family members welcome back the final group of Singaporean haj pilgrims at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on June 25. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR At the airport, Prof Faishal congratulated the Saudi Arabian government for its 'tremendous effort' in organising a successful haj for 1.67 million pilgrims around the world. He also noted that there were about 890 outpatient visits in 2025 to the Singapore Pilgrims' Affairs Office (Spao) in Shisha and Madinah. Spao introduced a hybrid model for medical services in 2024, working closely with a Saudi-based medical service provider and appointing medical professionals to be attached to respective haj travel agents for the medical needs of pilgrims. Prof Faishal said: 'Spao's hybrid model worked well with medical teams from both Singapore and Saudi, and we were able to provide medical attention and quality care to our pilgrims.' Prof Faishal, who took over the Muslim Affairs portfolio from Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli in May, said he has received encouraging feedback from pilgrims and their family members that bus services and facilities in Arafah and Mina, two significant locations in Makkah, have improved. He urged returning pilgrims to continue monitoring their health and to seek medical attention if they feel unwell. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Vogue Singapore
17 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
The in-flight beauty routines of 3 stylish jet-setters
@ As the season of summer travel kicks into high gear, plane-bound beauty aficionados will be faced with an entirely first-world problem. How to master the art of the perfect in-flight beauty routine, and how to ensure one's beauty upkeep is maintained à l'étranger while still keeping things chic and convenient? Allow us to point you in the direction of three stylish jet-setters for inspiration: Michelle Lin, a globetrotting content creator based between London and Valencia; Iman Fandi Ahmad, Singaporean singer-songwriter and artist; and Li-Chi Pan, South African-based art director and photographer. For these personalities, traversing the globe is a pleasure in the name of both work and play. As is somehow always looking good while doing so—how exactly do they manage? All three agree that in-flight hydration is key, courtesy of nifty essentials like a trusted lip balm, rejuvenating facial mask and concentrated moisturiser. Opting for a clean complexion allows the full benefits of said skincare to soak in. However, for a dose of pre-arrival glamour, look to the likes of a quick brow touch-up, multi-tasking beauty stick across the face's high points, or a few drops of fragrance to make a polished impression upon landing. Peruse the in-flight beauty secrets of Michelle, Iman and Li-Chi below: @ 1 / 3 Michelle Lin Instagram: @ | TikTok: @ Tell us about any exciting travel plans that you have lined up! Right now, I've got a few exciting trips coming up! Ibiza, Santorini, Copenhagen and New York are all on my calendar. What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on? I always keep it minimal but essential: What's your in-flight beauty routine that keeps you looking and feeling refreshed? I reapply SPF regularly, especially on long flights. Keeping my skin hydrated is the top priority—the Cicaplast Baume B5+ and lip oil come with me every time. I also sometimes carry a mouth refresher spray to feel extra fresh mid-flight. With such frequent travel, how do you stay on top of your beauty game? Post-flight, I love to put on a hydrating face mask like the Gold Hydralifting Mask from Omorovicza to counter the dry cabin air. Honestly, I don't change my skincare routine too often—I like to keep things simple and consistent. Once I find something that works, I stay loyal! My skin thanks me for not constantly switching products. Can you share a beauty lesson from your travels and time spent living amongst different cultures? One thing I've learnt is that less is more, especially when you're on the go. Different climates and water types can affect your skin, so sticking to a gentle, reliable routine helps maintain balance. Also, beauty isn't one size fits all—seeing how different cultures approach skincare and self-care has really opened my eyes to new rituals and ingredients I might never have tried otherwise. What are your favourite local beauty products to stock up on while travelling? Whenever I'm back in Taiwan, I stock up on mascara and mascara primers—they're just made differently in Asia! My go-to products are: Canmake and Kate mascara primers. Mascaras from 1028, Kaibeauty and the Japanese brand Kissme. I've also discovered a Japanese brand called Ahres—their Raw Melt Cleansing Balm Kuro and Boost Pomper X Serum are absolutely amazing. I've stocked up on both! @imanfandi17 2 / 3 Iman Fandi Ahmad Instagram: @imanfandi17 | TikTok: @imanfandi Do you have any exciting trips planned this summer? Yes, I do—in early July I'll be heading for a two-week trip, travelling between London, Bulgaria and Berlin. It will be my first time to Bulgaria and Berlin so I am really excited. What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on? Please outline your in-flight beauty routine for us—how do you stay looking and feeling fresh? I moisturise really well before my flight and apply sunblock. I've been told that less is more so I always try to just keep my skin hydrated and carry a face mask, especially on longer flights. I like to use Romi Beauty's Glow Getter Treatment Mask if I have time; otherwise, I'll use a face mist like Pixi's Hydrating Milky Mist or the travel-size Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. What is your favourite travel beauty tip? Always hydrate your skin and protect it from the sun by applying sunblock. I also travel with my own hair curl cream, which I apply after being in the ocean or when my hair is really dry and I want my curls to bounce. I use Fenty Hair's Comeback Kid Instant Damage Repair Treatment. Where in the world do you feel the most beautiful? Anywhere with a beach. I love travelling to places where I can feel the ocean breeze and sun, and there's just something about dressing up in tropical sundresses that makes me feel beautiful. Even if I happen to go for a more city-like destination, I try to stop somewhere where I can still surround myself in nature. @lichipan 3 / 3 Li-Chi Pan Lin Instagram: @lichipan | Website: Do you have any exciting travel plans lined up this season? Yes, I will be taking a 10-day trip to New York and Boston this summer. My first cousin is getting married so I will be travelling for his wedding. What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on? When it comes to carry-on essentials, simplicity and hydration are key as well as TSA-approved sizes. My must-haves are: Optional extras would be a silk eye mask, travel hairbrush and essential oil roller. Do you have any beauty or wellness rituals that you maintain to feel at home while travelling? In order to feel grounded and at home no matter where I am, I stick to my skincare routine. I stay consistent with double cleansing and moisturising, using travel-sized versions of my essentials. I usually travel with my Omnilux Contour Face—a red light therapy mask—and use it as downtime once I'm in bed. A warm cup of chrysanthemum or barley tea also helps maintain my internal balance, which can be disrupted during my travels. What beauty product makes for the best travel souvenir? Locally made skincare or fragrance that uses native or local ingredients. A stand-out for me would be Officine Universelle Buly's Baume des Muses. The lip balm is a celebration of natural ingredients and is housed in a compact box where you can have your initials embossed in gilt letters, adding a personal touch. Please share a beauty lesson that you have learnt from your travels. One of the greatest lessons I've learnt from my travels is that beauty is about rituals. Skincare should not be rushed. Cleansing should be mindful and deliberate. As I've gotten older I've realised that it's less about chasing flawless skin and more about embracing the process of caring for your skin with intention.
AsiaOne
18 hours ago
- AsiaOne
Singapore travellers told to expect delays, even as Iran-Israel truce brings reprieve to airlines, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — Singaporeans travelling to the Middle East and Europe over the coming days should be prepared for delays and disruptions, despite a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel offering a reprieve to airlines roiled by the fighting in the region. Late on June 23, operations at two of the world's busiest airports in Doha and Dubai were thrown into chaos as several Middle Eastern countries temporarily closed their airspace, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded, including a number of Singaporeans. But even as airlines resume regular operations, those in the industry said the re-routing of aircraft to avoid the conflict zone will lengthen flight times, especially between Asia and Europe. "Airlines are already running late for many of the re-routed flights", said Associate Professor Lin Weiqiang, who studies transport issues at the National University of Singapore's geography department. "We can foresee more flight delays and perhaps schedule changes, if the usual corridors are not reopened soon," he added. Travel management company FCM Travel Asia has also informed business travellers to anticipate travel delays. Its managing director Bertrand Saillet said this is because carriers are likely to revisit their flight paths and schedules. Lufthansa Group said none of its flights to Singapore or the Asia-Pacific have been cancelled due to the conflict. But these flights may take up to an hour longer because of the need to skirt Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi, Israeli and Iranian airspace — a key artery for Asia-Europe air traffic before the Iran-Israel conflict erupted. The airline group said it is also refraining from flying over the northern parts of Saudi Arabia, as well as Bahrain, Qatar and parts of the United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf. Flight tracking data shows that Lufthansa's flights between Singapore and Frankfurt, for instance, have been flying north of Iran, travelling through Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan airspace instead. This is the same "northern" flight path that some carriers like Singapore Airlines (SIA) have been using to fly to and from Europe. NUS' Prof Lin said he expects airlines to continue re-routing flights via Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan over the next few days, and possibly weeks. This may add to the congestion there. "As it is, Afghan airspace is already capacity controlled and is subject to air traffic flow management since 2007," he noted. Even before the airspace closures on June 23, which were triggered by Iran's missile strike on a US military base in Doha, SIA and its budget arm Scoot had already cancelled flights to the Middle East. After a security assessment, SIA cancelled all of its Singapore-Dubai flights from June 22 to June 25. Meanwhile, Scoot cancelled its Singapore-Jeddah services on June 23 and June 26, citing operational considerations. In contrast, Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways continued to fly to Singapore during this period. Asked why this was the case, Prof Lin said the airlines have different operational considerations, and it is likely that SIA Group was unwilling to risk its assets becoming collateral damage or getting stuck in the Middle East. Qatar Airways said on June 24 that it has deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport, its home base, as well as other key airports to help affected travellers and minimise disruptions. According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, around 250 flights were cancelled at Hamad airport, with another 238 delayed, after Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait temporarily shut their airspace on June 23. Airports across Dubai in the United Arab Emirates also briefly halted operations. Dubai-based Emirates said there were some cancellations and a few flights had longer routes due to airspace congestion, but its passengers experienced minimal disruptions as regularly scheduled flights resumed within a few hours. The carrier confirmed that none of its Singapore-Dubai flights were re-routed. "The airline would never fly if it was not safe to do so. Emirates continuously monitors developments, coordinates with aviation authorities and assesses every potential risk," it added on June 24. A day earlier, the airline had said in an update that it will continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths "well distanced" from conflict areas. Other carriers like Air France have also begun to resume flights to the Middle East. The French carrier told ST that it plans to resume services from Paris to Dubai and Riyadh starting June 25, and restart flights between Paris and Beirut in Lebanon from June 26. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation in the Near and Middle East in real-time. "Air France reiterates that the safety of its customers and crew is its absolute imperative," it added. For Australian flag carrier Qantas, which had two flights from Perth to Europe diverted as a result of the airspace closures in the Middle East, normal operations have also resumed. Its Europe-bound flights on June 24 departed Singapore and Perth without a hitch. Qantas has been re-routing its European flights to avoid conflict zones in the Middle East for weeks now, but some, like the two diverted flights, have been taking a "southern" route over Oman, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The airline said on June 24 that it continues to monitor airspace availability closely, and it will alter its schedule as required. NUS' Prof Lin said he believes it is safe for travellers to fly to where airlines are allowed to operate. What is more likely in the next few days is sudden disruptions and airspace closures, given the volatility of the situation. "Travellers should strive to leave enough time for connections in case of any delays or misallocation of equipment," he said. Those who wish to further minimise risks when flying to Europe could also opt for airlines that maintain a wider berth from the conflict area, he added, pointing to Cathay Pacific, which flies to Europe via Xinjiang and Central Asia, as an example. [[nid:719401]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
