Umrah Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia: Over 500 From Coastal Karnataka and Kasaragod Wait to Return Home

More than 500 Umrah pilgrims from coastal Karnataka and Kasaragod are stranded in Saudi Arabia after airlines suspended flights amid tensions in the Middle East. The Karnataka government has stepped in to coordinate relief for the pilgrims and efforts to bring them home.

Flights suspended till October 24

Air India Express and IndiGo have suspended operations on the affected routes until October 24, leaving hundreds of pilgrims without a way back. A few pilgrims have managed to travel by road to Qatar and catch alternative flights from there, but most remain stuck in Saudi Arabia. Tour operators, political leaders and anxious family members have appealed for urgent intervention by the Union and state governments.

Karnataka government coordinates relief

Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader has said officials are in constant touch with the stranded pilgrims. The chairman of the state Haj committee and other officials have met the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to assess the situation on the ground and assure them of assistance. With the Indian rupee weak against the Saudi riyal, pilgrims are spending around Rs 1,500 per person per day on meals alone. Officials have assured that food arrangements will be made for those running out of funds, and a dedicated helpline is being set up. Efforts are under way to accommodate the stranded pilgrims on flights scheduled for October 24 and October 27.

Families demand special rescue flights

Family members have urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to grant immediate special permission for IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India to operate rescue flights directly from Riyadh or Jeddah. Former Minorities Commission chairman Abdul Azeem has also urged the authorities to act swiftly to bring the pilgrims back to Karnataka safely. Several pilgrims who travelled on low cost packages through private agents are said to have been left in the lurch.

Refund uncertainty adds to distress

Karnataka State Haj Organisers Association president Iqbal Siddiqui said discussions are ongoing with officials to secure refunds for the cancelled flight tickets, which would help stranded pilgrims buy new ones. However, many who opted for budget packages may not be eligible for full refunds, deepening their financial distress as they are forced to spend large sums again to secure tickets home.