Is it permissible for a niqabi woman to travel to uphold ties of kinship with her children and mother without a mahram, knowing that her husband will drop her off at the airport, and a mahram will receive her, and the journey is short?

It is not permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram. This is indicated by the prophetic hadith which states that jihad—despite its immense importance—can be foregone to accompany one's wife for Hajj. This demonstrates the confirmed obligation and significance of the mahram. The absence of a mahram in her country of residence does not justify her traveling without one, as she only needs a mahram for travel or khalwa (private seclusion with a non-mahram). Likewise, the short duration of the trip or her children and mother sitting beside her does not justify her traveling without one. The wisdom behind prohibiting a woman from traveling without a mahram remains valid, as travel conditions may change, such as an unexpected stop or an emergency landing in an unintended location, which highlights the importance of the mahram's presence.