15 Hajj pilgrims, stranded for 4 days amid Saudi flight disruptions, return safely

The homecoming brought an end to several days of anxiety for the families, who had been worried about their loved ones following the sudden disruption to their travel plans.

In Short

• Pilgrims travel by train from Riyadh to another airport before flying back to India
• Families welcome returning pilgrims with flowers, tears, prayers of gratitude
• Govt advises Saudi-bound Umrah pilgrims to prepare for flight delays, cancellations

Around 15 pilgrims from Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, who were stranded after their flight was cancelled during their Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, have returned safely to India. Their arrival brought immense relief and happiness to their families, particularly four members of a family from Surendranagar, who were among those affected.

The group had travelled to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to perform Umrah during the pilgrimage.

However, their return journey was disrupted after their flight was cancelled, leaving the pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. The situation was further complicated by a power outage, adding to the difficulties faced by the group.

The unexpected disruption triggered concern among their families back home, who were anxious about the pilgrims’ safety and uncertain about when they would be able to return.

Although the stranded pilgrims were safe, the circumstances prompted one of them to share a video online, appealing for assistance.

After four days of uncertainty, the group managed to arrange an alternative route to return to India.

The pilgrims travelled by train from Riyadh to another airport, from where they eventually boarded a flight to Ahmedabad. This came as Saudi Arabia imposed curbs on flight operations from Riyadh airport amid strikes by Iran-backed Houthi groups amid the Middle East conflict.

Among the group were four members of a family from Surendranagar. After reaching Ahmedabad, they completed the final leg of their journey by train to Surendranagar.

Their arrival at the railway junction turned into an emotional occasion, with relatives welcoming them with flowers.

Family members, overwhelmed with relief and happiness, greeted the returning pilgrims with tears and offered prayers of gratitude for their safe return.

The homecoming brought an end to several days of anxiety for the families, who had been worried about their loved ones following the sudden disruption to their travel plans.

The safe return of the 15 pilgrims has brought relief to their families and the wider community in Saurashtra.

While the immediate concern over their safety has eased, the incident highlights the challenges travellers can face when international flight arrangements are disrupted.

No further details regarding the flight cancellation or any official response were provided in the available information.

TRAVEL ADVISORY AMID CONFLICT

This came a day after the government urged Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow local authorities’ instructions, stay indoors during aerial attacks and avoid sharing related photos or videos.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said six Indians injured in the October 10 airport attack remain under treatment, including two in intensive care. Riyadh airport remains closed, while Dammam, Jeddah and Medina airports continue operating with disruptions.

Air India and Air India Express suspended services until October 20, while IndiGo and Akasa Air extended cancellations. The embassy advised travellers, including Umrah pilgrims, to anticipate disruptions and consider alternative routes if necessary.

- Ends
Inputs by Sajidbhai Belim