Nagpur: The return journey of 99 pilgrims from Nagpur and neighbouring areas who travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah has been clouded by uncertainty amid escalating regional tensions and disruptions to flight services. The group includes children as young as six and elderly pilgrims aged up to 76, raising concerns over the difficulties they could face if their scheduled return journeys are affected.
The pilgrims, who departed from Nagpur on October 6 and 8 aboard Qatar Airways flights, are scheduled to return on October 20 and 22 on IndiGo flights. The group includes residents of Nagpur, Bhandara and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh.
According to those coordinating the pilgrimage, all 99 pilgrims are safe and continuing with their planned itinerary at present. However, apprehensions are mounting over possible disruptions to air travel amid regional tensions and concerns linked to attacks by Houthi rebels. If flight operations fail to normalise by October 17, their travel arrangements could become more complicated.
The uncertainty has also affected other prospective pilgrims. A group of 15 people from Nagpur was scheduled to leave for Umrah this week, with tickets booked well in advance. However, Akasa Air cancelled its flight following the attacks, forcing the group to postpone its journey. The ticket amount has reportedly not yet been refunded.
“Over the past eight months, people travelling to Saudi Arabia have been facing difficulties because of the prevailing tensions,” said Zahid Anwar, highlighting the growing uncertainty confronting pilgrims and travel operators.
Abdul Arif said the situation could become more challenging if flight services did not return to normal by October 17. He added that the Indian Embassy had advised citizens facing travel difficulties to consider returning through neighbouring Gulf countries, including Qatar or Bahrain, subject to obtaining the necessary visas.
However, taking an alternative route could involve additional visa formalities, longer travel time and substantially higher expenses, making the option difficult for some pilgrims.
Extended stay could push up expenses
Mohammed Azhar, proprietor of Star Hajj Umrah Ziyarat Tours in Nagpur, said tour operators generally arrange transportation, accommodation and other essential requirements for a standard 15-day Umrah package. The overall cost typically ranges from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh per person.
Any extension of the stay beyond the scheduled period could impose a significant additional financial burden on pilgrims. Accommodation, food, local transportation and other daily requirements would add to their expenses, while booking fresh tickets with another airline could further increase the cost.
Azhar said the additional expenditure would depend on the duration of the delay and the arrangements required for each pilgrim. He added that travel operators would assess the evolving situation before finalising alternative return plans, with the safety of all pilgrims remaining the top priority.
For the 99 pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia, the immediate concern is whether their scheduled flights will operate as planned. With children and senior citizens among the group, any prolonged disruption could complicate both their travel arrangements and the logistical efforts required to bring everyone home safely.
