Uncertainty Over Return Dates Adds to Travellers’ Woes; Additional Expenses May Reach ₹35,000
Rajasthan, October 16: Around 5,000 Umrah pilgrims from Rajasthan are reportedly stranded in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia, after flight cancellations disrupted their return journeys. Pilgrims from Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, Nagaur, Jodhpur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh and Hanumangarh are among those affected.
Following disruptions to airline operations in Saudi Arabia, several return flights were cancelled. Passengers have received ticket cancellation and refund notifications, but the lack of clarity over revised flight schedules has increased their anxiety.
The affected pilgrims are now facing difficulties in securing seats on alternative flights, which may involve significantly higher fares. Travellers could have to spend an additional ₹35,000 on return tickets. The delay has also caused concern among those who have weddings, jobs and other important commitments waiting for them back home.
No Clarity on Return Flight Schedules
Flight cancellations by Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air and some other airlines operating in the Gulf region have disrupted travel plans. Services connected through Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad have also been affected.
While some passengers are accepting refunds and searching for alternative flights, others are waiting for regular flight operations to resume. The uncertainty over departure dates continues to cause inconvenience to pilgrims and their families.
Rising Hotel and Food Expenses
The extended stay in Saudi Arabia has increased expenses on accommodation, food and other essential requirements. Some tour operators are making arrangements for the accommodation and meals of pilgrims who travelled through organised packages. However, those who made independent travel arrangements have to bear the additional expenses themselves.
According to the report, the pilgrims have not yet felt the need to contact the Indian Embassy directly. Meanwhile, the Indian mission in Riyadh has issued helpline numbers for a 24-hour control room to assist Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims Share Their Concerns
Maqbool Ahmed Sindhi, a resident of Kheradiwada in Udaipur, said that although passengers had received messages regarding ticket cancellations and refunds, they were still unable to arrange alternative flights. He added that they were in regular contact with their families over the phone, but their relatives remained worried.
Another pilgrim, Shabana Parveen of Udaipur, said the unavailability of flights had caused considerable difficulties. She said that she was staying in Mecca, continuing her religious prayers and waiting for flight services to resume, while remaining in constant contact with her family.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is a sacred Islamic pilgrimage performed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during specific dates in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Millions of Muslims from India and other countries travel to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage annually.
