Srinagar, Mar 03: Kashmiri pilgrims and passengers have been stranded in various parts of the world following the Israel, US -Iran conflict that led to widespread airspace closures and massive flight cancellations.
On Wednesday, Junaid Ahmad from Budgam, who was scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia, was informed a day before that his flight had been cancelled. He had booked the ticket a week ago after returning home due to an emergency.
“I have to go back to work; otherwise, I will face problems, including possible job suspension. A common man always suffers in the middle of conflicts and wars,” he said.
Junaid is among hundreds of passengers anxiously awaiting the resumption of flight operations, which have been suspended for several days, leaving them uncertain about their travel plans.
Similarly, several J&K students who recently passed the Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) examination and are scheduled to report to the NMC office in Delhi said they are concerned about arriving on time, as they have already been allotted specific appointment slots.
On the other side, several Umrah pilgrims from Kashmir are stranded in Saudi Arabia as flights were cancelled after airspace closures following the US, Israel-Iran conflict.
A group of pilgrims alleged mismanagement by private tour operators that left them without confirming return tickets and proper arrangements. The pilgrims, including many elderly men and women from districts such as Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara and Budgam, had travelled to Mecca and Medina to perform Umrah.
However, as their scheduled return dates approached, they were reportedly informed that their return flights had either been cancelled or were never properly booked.
Among those stranded 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 have been unable to secure clear information regarding their return, as they are now looking to return home.
“Some pilgrims reported facing difficulties arranging accommodation and food, leading to additional financial strain,” said one of the relatives of a pilgrim from Baramulla. A few alleged that the concerned travel agents are not responding to repeated calls.
Family members in Kashmir have urged the authorities in the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and ensure the safe and early return of the pilgrims.
Many expressed concerns over the health and safety of elderly individuals who remain stuck abroad. Families continue to wait anxiously for stranded pilgrims and appeal for urgent assistance.
Flights in and out of airports or international hubs in the Middle East region have been suspended, with airlines continuing to cancel and divert flights.
