Karnataka Minister UT Khader Urges CM to Arrange Special Flights for Over 600 Stranded Umrah Pilgrims
Pilgrims from Karnataka are reportedly facing difficulties in Makkah and Madinah following the suspension of return flights amid the worsening security situation in the Middle East.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister UT Khader has urged Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to direct the authorities to arrange special flights to bring back more than 600 Umrah pilgrims from the state who are stranded in Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Khader said several airlines, including Akasa Air, IndiGo, flynas and Air India Express, had suspended return flights from Jeddah and Riyadh to Bengaluru and other destinations in India due to the escalating security situation in the Middle East.
According to the minister, the stranded pilgrims had travelled through private tour operators. Many were reportedly facing financial difficulties, with some running out of money and struggling to pay for accommodation and meet basic needs, including food. The group includes elderly people, women and children from different parts of Karnataka.
Khader said voluntary organisations serving Indian and Karnataka communities in the holy cities were providing temporary food assistance. However, he said the support was insufficient to meet the needs of all those affected.
The Karnataka State Haj Committee chairman and other officials had reportedly visited Makkah and Madinah and met several pilgrims to assess the situation. The state was also working with voluntary organisations to arrange food, medicines and accommodation.
Khader urged the authorities to act without delay and facilitate the pilgrims’ safe return. He assured their families that efforts were underway to bring them back safely.