Bengaluru: More than 500 Umrah pilgrims from Karnataka are reportedly stranded in Mecca and Medina following flight disruptions linked to security concerns in the region and reported closures affecting major Saudi Arabian airports. With several airlines said to have suspended services for nearly two weeks, the pilgrims are facing uncertainty over their return to India, prompting families to appeal for urgent government intervention.
The prolonged disruption has reportedly left pilgrims struggling to manage accommodation and daily expenses while waiting for alternative travel arrangements. Concerns have also been raised over the assistance provided by private tour operators who organised their pilgrimage packages.
Abdul Azeem seeks urgent intervention from aviation authorities
Abdul Azeem, former chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to facilitate the return of the stranded pilgrims by permitting airlines to operate flights to Riyadh or Jeddah.
He specifically called for IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India to be allowed to operate services that could help bring the pilgrims back safely.
The appeal comes as families in Karnataka await information about their relatives and seek clarity on when regular or alternative flight services may become available. The uncertainty has added to the distress of pilgrims who had travelled to Saudi Arabia for the religious pilgrimage and are now unable to return as planned.
The proposed arrangements would depend on aviation permissions, airline operations and prevailing security conditions. The authorities and airlines would need to coordinate to identify feasible routes and available seats for the affected travellers.
Pilgrims face financial pressure over extended stay
The disruption has also created financial difficulties, particularly for pilgrims who booked lower-cost packages and had limited funds for an extended stay abroad.
Sources said several tickets were not eligible for refunds, leaving some travellers with the prospect of purchasing replacement tickets at additional cost. For pilgrims who had budgeted only for the planned duration of their trip, the expense of arranging new flights could be difficult to manage.
The cost of food and other daily necessities is adding to the burden. With the pilgrims unable to confirm their return dates, families are concerned about how long they may have to support their relatives financially.
Questions have also been raised about the response of private tour operators who arranged the trips. Some operators have allegedly failed to provide adequate assistance to pilgrims affected by the disruptions. These concerns have prompted calls for tour organisers to communicate clearly with travellers and help them navigate alternative arrangements.
The reported difficulties highlight the vulnerability of international travellers when sudden flight cancellations extend beyond the period covered by their original bookings.
U T Khader says government monitoring situation
Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader said officials were in regular contact with the pilgrims and were monitoring developments. He also said the government would arrange food for those who needed assistance.
Khader noted that one Saudi riyal was worth around Rs 25 and that daily food expenses could reach approximately Rs 1,500 per person. Such costs can accumulate quickly when travellers are forced to remain abroad beyond their planned travel dates.
The minister said efforts were being made to facilitate the pilgrims’ return on October 24 and October 27. These dates represent possible return arrangements being explored by the authorities, although the availability of flights and final travel schedules remain subject to confirmation.
The government’s immediate priorities include maintaining communication with the affected pilgrims, identifying those who require financial or food assistance and coordinating possible travel arrangements.
Families seek clarity on return arrangements
For families in Karnataka, the absence of confirmed return schedules remains a major concern. Relatives are waiting for updates while dealing with uncertainty over travel expenses, accommodation and the possibility of further delays.
The situation is particularly challenging for pilgrims who may not have the resources to purchase new tickets or extend their stay indefinitely. Families have therefore called for a coordinated response involving the state government, aviation authorities, airlines and tour operators.
Abdul Azeem and the affected families have urged authorities to take prompt steps to secure suitable flight arrangements. They have stressed the need for clear communication so that pilgrims know when and how they can return home.
Coordinated action needed to bring pilgrims home
The reported stranding of more than 500 Karnataka pilgrims has underscored the need for swift coordination when international flight disruptions affect religious travellers. While the state government has indicated that it is monitoring the situation and exploring return arrangements, the affected pilgrims continue to face uncertainty until travel plans are confirmed.
Facilitating their safe return, helping those unable to meet daily expenses and ensuring that tour operators provide appropriate assistance remain key concerns. Families are hoping that the proposed arrangements for October 24 and 27 will offer a practical route home for the stranded pilgrims.