A B Wani
Srinagar, Oct 23 (GNS): At least 34 Kashmiri pilgrims who had travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah have been stranded there after their return flights were cancelled, with the group appealing to the Jammu and Kashmir administration for immediate help to facilitate their return.
The pilgrims, as per news agency GNS, said they were scheduled to return to Kashmir on October 13 but could not board their flights due to cancellations amid prevailing security concerns.
According to information shared by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, IndiGo has extended cancellation of its flights to Saudi Arabia. Flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled till October 31, 2026, while flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled till October 27, 2026. The Embassy shared the updated schedule on X.
The stranded pilgrims said that while some passengers managed to return via indirect and connecting routes, such options are financially unviable for many of them.
They said their cash reserves are depleting and they are struggling to meet daily expenses including accommodation, food and medicines.
Appealing to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the pilgrims urged urgent intervention and coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and concerned airlines to ensure their safe and early return to Jammu and Kashmir.
They said the prolonged stay has caused immense financial and mental distress and hoped the government will take immediate steps for their evacuation.(GNS)
