Srinagar, Oct 23 (KNO): At least 34 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir who travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah have been stranded following the suspension of flights, prompting appeals for urgent government intervention to facilitate their safe and early return home.
According to the affected pilgrims, they were scheduled to return to Kashmir on October 13 but were unable to travel after airlines suspended services amid security concerns in the region.
The stranded pilgrims, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), have urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and airlines to arrange their return.
Some passengers have managed to return through alternative routes and connecting flights, but the high cost of such travel has made it unaffordable for many, they said.
With their stay in Saudi Arabia extending beyond schedule, several pilgrims said their financial resources were running low, making it increasingly difficult to meet expenses related to accommodation, food and medicines.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said IndiGo has extended the suspension of its Saudi Arabia operations. Flights to and from Riyadh will remain suspended until October 31, while services connecting Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah have been cancelled until October 27.
Other Indian carriers have also temporarily suspended operations. Air India and Air India Express have cancelled flights on all Saudi routes until October 24, while Akasa Air has extended its suspension until October 27.
The flight disruptions have affected Indian nationals travelling to and from Saudi Arabia, including Umrah pilgrims, prompting Indian diplomatic missions to coordinate with airlines and tour operators for their return.
The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are working with airlines and tour operators to assist affected passengers. The missions are also providing welfare support through community volunteers and have set up round-the-clock control rooms for assistance.
The Indian mission has advised those requiring urgent travel to explore transit options through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to applicable visa requirements—(KNO)