99 Pilgrims from Nagpur Face Uncertain Return from Saudi Arabia
A group of 99 Nagpur pilgrims encounters potential flight disruptions amid rising tensions in the region.
Pilgrims scheduled to return from Umrah on October 20 and 22 face uncertainty.
Regional tensions and flight cancellations are impacting travel plans.
Extended stays could significantly increase financial burdens for the pilgrims.
A group of 99 pilgrims from Nagpur and nearby regions, who traveled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, now face an uncertain return due to escalating regional tensions and disruptions in flight services. The group, which includes children as young as six and elderly individuals up to 76 years old, is scheduled to return on October 20 and 22 but may encounter significant challenges if their flights are affected.
The pilgrims departed from Nagpur on October 6 and 8 via Qatar Airways. Currently, all 99 individuals are reported safe and continuing their pilgrimage activities. However, concerns are rising regarding potential flight disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Houthi rebels. If normal flight operations do not resume by October 17, their return plans could become increasingly complicated.
The situation has also impacted other travelers, as a group of 15 from Nagpur had to postpone their Umrah trip due to a flight cancellation by Akasa Air following recent attacks. Reports indicate that they have yet to receive refunds for their tickets. Zahid Anwar, a travel coordinator, expressed that the past eight months have seen travelers to Saudi Arabia facing numerous difficulties due to heightened tensions in the region.
Abdul Arif, another travel expert, warned that if flight services do not normalize soon, the challenges for pilgrims could escalate. The Indian Embassy has advised those facing travel issues to consider returning through neighboring Gulf countries like Qatar or Bahrain, although this option requires additional visa arrangements and could lead to increased travel costs and time.
Mohammed Azhar, a tour operator in Nagpur, noted that a standard Umrah package typically costs between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh per person. Any extension of their stay due to flight disruptions could lead to significant extra expenses for accommodation, food, and transportation. Azhar emphasized that travel operators are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of all pilgrims while making necessary arrangements for their return.
