Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Mar 5: Around 2,000 Umrah pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir are stranded in different parts of the Middle East following widespread flight cancellations triggered by the escalating US–Israel–Iran tensions, which have disrupted air travel across the region.
Representative of Hajj & Umrah Companies in Jammu and Kashmir Parvez Ahmed Bhat while talking to reporters here, said, “Hundreds of pilgrims from the region are currently stuck in Makkah, Madina and Jeddah after airlines suspended or delayed flights due to the prevailing regional situation.”
Bhat said the crisis has affected both pilgrims who had already travelled for Umrah as well as those scheduled to depart from Srinagar and other parts of the Union Territory.
“Nearly 2,000 pilgrims linked with different travel groups from Jammu & Kashmir are affected by the ongoing situation. Many are waiting for fresh flight schedules after airlines cancelled services due to the security situation in the region,” Bhat said.
He added that the disruption has also caused heavy financial losses to travel operators, as agencies had already booked hotel accommodations, transport and flight tickets for multiple pilgrimage groups during the ongoing Ramadan season.
According to Bhat, several tour operators have had to extend hotel stays for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, while simultaneously dealing with cancellations or postponements of upcoming travel batches.
“The travel trade is suffering significant losses as bookings, hotel reservations and logistics were arranged in advance. The uncertainty has created serious operational challenges for companies as well as pilgrims,” he said.
Meanwhile, international flight operations across parts of the Middle East have been disrupted in recent days amid heightened regional tensions, leading to partial airspace closures and flight cancellations.
The situation has affected travellers and pilgrims from several countries, with many reported stranded in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states after airlines either suspended flights or rerouted services due to security concerns.
Officials said Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia are monitoring the situation and coordinating with airlines and travel operators to facilitate the safe return of stranded passengers once flight operations stabilise.
Meanwhile, families of several pilgrims in Kashmir have expressed concern over the delay in return flights, particularly for elderly travellers and have urged authorities to ensure their safe and early repatriation.
Travel operators have also appealed to the authorities to issue clear advisories and extend support.
