Srinagar, Mar 04: Hundreds of Kashmiri pilgrims and passengers remain stranded across the globe following widespread airspace closures caused by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, leading to massive flight cancellations.
On Wednesday, Junaid Ahmad from Budgam, who was scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia, was informed just a day before that his flight had been cancelled. He had booked the ticket a week earlier after returning home due to an emergency.
“I have to go back to work; otherwise, I may face issues, including possible job suspension. Ordinary people always suffer in the middle of conflicts and wars,” he said.
Junaid is among hundreds of passengers anxiously awaiting the resumption of flights, which have been suspended for several days, leaving many uncertain about their travel plans.
Several J&K students who recently cleared the Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) examination and are scheduled to report to the NMC office in Delhi also expressed concern about arriving on time, as their appointments are already fixed.
Meanwhile, a number of Umrah pilgrims from Kashmir are stranded in Saudi Arabia after their return flights were cancelled due to airspace closures. Many pilgrims alleged mismanagement by private tour operators, with some reporting that their return tickets were either never booked or cancelled without notice.
The stranded pilgrims, including elderly men and women from Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara, and Budgam, had travelled to Mecca and Medina to perform Umrah. Among those affected are Ghulam Mohammad Bhat from Baramulla, Hameeda Begum from Srinagar, Abdul Rashid Mir from Anantnag, and Mohammad Yousuf Dar from Kupwara.
Family members said they are struggling to get clear information regarding the return of their relatives. “Some pilgrims reported facing difficulties arranging accommodation and food, adding to financial strain,” said a relative of a pilgrim from Baramulla. Several families alleged that travel agents are not responding to repeated calls.
Relatives in Kashmir have urged the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and ensure the safe and early return of the stranded pilgrims. Many expressed concern over the health and safety of elderly individuals still abroad.
Flights to and from airports in the Middle East remain suspended, with airlines continuing to cancel and divert services, leaving passengers in uncertainty. (Agency)
