MANGALURU: Around 500 Haj pilgrims from Mangaluru have returned home safely after flight disruptions in Saudi Arabia left several travellers stranded, while nearly 100 pilgrims from the same group are still awaiting their return, according to the Dakshina Kannada Haj and Umrah Private Tour Organisers’ Association.
The disruptions followed the suspension of flight operations at major Saudi Arabian airports amid reported Houthi rebel attacks. With return journeys affected, several pilgrims had to explore alternative routes to reach India.
Zakir, representing the association, said most pilgrims who had travelled through the organisation had returned safely. Accommodation and other necessary arrangements have been made in Saudi Arabia for around 100 members of the group who remain stranded.
Pilgrims travel through Qatar to reach Karnataka
Several returning pilgrims reportedly travelled through Qatar after their original travel plans were disrupted. They obtained Qatar visas, travelled by road from Saudi Arabia and boarded flights to Calicut or Bengaluru before making their way to Mangaluru.
The alternative route helped many pilgrims return, but the sudden change in travel arrangements brought additional expenses and logistical difficulties.
Flight fares from Qatar had risen sharply, creating another challenge for those still trying to return. Some stranded pilgrims were reportedly considering alternative routes through Oman in an effort to reach India.
Tense situation at Dammam airport
The report also recounted a tense incident involving around 40 pilgrims from Mangaluru who reached Dammam airport on October 22 to board a return flight.
According to sources cited in the report, the group was suddenly evacuated from the airport waiting hall and moved to another location. An explosion was reportedly heard shortly afterwards.
The available report did not provide further details about the explosion or confirm whether the pilgrims were directly affected. The incident added to the uncertainty faced by travellers attempting to leave Saudi Arabia amid the flight disruptions.
Haj department receives over 100 distress calls
Meanwhile, the emergency operation centres established by the Karnataka State Haj Department received more than 100 distress calls on Saturday alone.
Many callers sought assistance in arranging return flights, while some said they had run out of money and were struggling to meet additional travel expenses. The report also said some pilgrims were facing pressure from agents to pay more money.
The calls highlighted the difficulties faced by travellers whose plans had been disrupted, particularly those with limited funds to arrange alternative journeys.
Around 100 pilgrims remain stranded
Although the safe return of around 500 pilgrims has brought relief to their families, the situation remains unresolved for those still in Saudi Arabia.
The association has reportedly arranged accommodation and other essential support for approximately 100 pilgrims from its group who are yet to return. Some are exploring routes through other countries as flight availability and ticket prices continue to pose challenges.
The situation underscores the importance of coordinated assistance from travel organisers and government authorities in helping stranded pilgrims secure safe and affordable journeys home.
For families in Mangaluru and surrounding areas, the priority remains the safe return of all those still waiting in Saudi Arabia. Further updates are awaited on the arrangements being made for their travel back to India.