Srinagar, Mar 7: About 150 Umrah pilgrims from Kashmir are stuck in Saudi Arabia after flight cancellations due to the escalating Middle East conflict. Another 2,000 on Ramadan packages are set to return in late March.
Most of those stranded hail from Srinagar, Budgam, and Anantnag districts. They’re now holed up in hotels in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah as airspace restrictions bite.
Prevez Ahmad Bhat from the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Hajj and Umrah Companies said around 2,500 Umrah pilgrims from the region are currently in Saudi Arabia. “A couple hundred were due back this week, with the rest slated for late March,” he noted. “We’ve had some early returns too, but flights got scrapped. Families shouldn’t panic—the Saudi government usually steps in during these situations.”
Indian missions in Saudi have rolled out helpline numbers, urging pilgrims to stay in touch with tour operators and embassy staff.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced concern for J&K residents trapped in West Asian countries, saying he’s tracking developments. He highlighted that the Ministry of External Affairs is aiding students, pilgrims, and others waiting to come home.
Back home, families are growing anxious, especially for elderly pilgrims facing uncertainty.
Ghulam Mohammad Dar from Srinagar shared that his 68-year-old mother is among those waiting. “She finished her Umrah, but her flight was canceled. No word on when things will normalize,” he said.
A family from Anantnag reported two relatives stuck in a Jeddah hotel with other Valley pilgrims. Rouf Ahmad added, “My brother and sister-in-law are in Medina. They weren’t prepared for this extension—we hope officials step up.”
