Pilgrims Stuck Amid Flight Shortages
Pakistani Umrah pilgrims have been stranded at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport for the past five days, facing significant discomfort and uncertainty. Travelers report being confined to the airport day and night, with no available flights to return home.
According to multiple reports, a family from Lahore and several other pilgrims were scheduled to return to Pakistan on September 27. However, due to unavailable flights, they have remained stuck at the airport. The affected individuals were reportedly asked to return to the airport on September 29, only to be sent back without boarding any flight.
Passengers complain that they are repeatedly given new timings but are unable to secure actual travel. “Every day we are told a flight will be available, but nothing happens,” one pilgrim said. “We are exhausted, both physically and mentally.”
Lack of Facilities Exacerbates Distress
Travelers have highlighted not only the absence of flights but also the lack of basic facilities at the airport. Many are reportedly sleeping on benches or the floor due to overcrowding. Food and water distribution have been inconsistent, leaving some pilgrims struggling to meet their basic needs.
Such conditions are particularly challenging for elderly pilgrims, families with children, and those with underlying health issues. Reports indicate that tensions have been rising among stranded travelers, who fear that delays could worsen if no action is taken soon.
Calls for Government Intervention
The stranded pilgrims have urged the Government of Pakistan and relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the situation. They emphasized that urgent intervention is needed to arrange return flights and provide better facilities at the airport. “We request the authorities to ensure our safe return to Pakistan, otherwise the situation may deteriorate further,” said another traveler.
Officials have not yet confirmed when additional flights will be arranged. Meanwhile, Pakistani diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia are reportedly in touch with airlines to coordinate evacuation efforts, though progress remains slow.
Context: Pressure on Umrah Travel Infrastructure
This incident highlights the strain on travel infrastructure during peak Umrah periods, especially at the end of the season when a large number of pilgrims seek to return home simultaneously. Annually, hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, placing pressure on both airline services and airport facilities.
Saudi authorities generally accommodate returning pilgrims, but logistical challenges, including flight cancellations or limited seat availability, often lead to delays. In previous years, similar incidents have prompted temporary increases in charter flights, though such measures are not always sufficient to meet demand.
International Travel Concerns
The situation has drawn attention to broader challenges facing international travelers during religious seasons. Experts note that coordinated planning between home countries and host nations is crucial to prevent prolonged airport stays.
For Pakistani pilgrims, the ordeal underscores the need for improved contingency measures, better communication, and adequate facilities at transit points. Ensuring safe and timely repatriation remains a pressing concern as the Umrah season concludes.
Looking Ahead
As pilgrims continue to wait at Jeddah Airport, authorities in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia face mounting pressure to resolve the situation promptly. While no immediate solution has been publicly announced, the affected travelers hope for swift action to ensure their safe return.
