Umrah Pilgrims from Bhatkal, Udupi and Mangaluru Face Hardship as Saudi Flights Suspended Until October 24
Air India Express and IndiGo extend flight suspensions, leaving passengers from coastal Karnataka facing uncertainty and seeking alternative routes home.
Mangaluru (Fikrokhabar News): Hundreds of passengers and Umrah pilgrims from coastal Karnataka, including Bhatkal, Udupi and Mangaluru, are facing severe travel difficulties following disruptions to flights between Mangaluru and Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, flight operations have been affected following attacks attributed to Houthi rebels on key Saudi airports. Several Indian travellers, including local Umrah pilgrims, remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, with elderly and sick passengers among those facing particular difficulties.
Air India Express and IndiGo have reportedly extended the suspension of their Saudi Arabia services until October 24. Air India Express operates direct flights from Mangaluru International Airport to Jeddah and Dammam three days a week, serving passengers from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kasaragod and Bhatkal.
The suspension has affected not only those planning to travel from Mangaluru to Saudi Arabia but also passengers awaiting their return to India. People travelling on visit visas, as well as those who had gone abroad for medical treatment or other essential work, are also facing uncertainty.
With direct flights disrupted, some stranded Indian travellers have reportedly travelled by road to Qatar to catch onward flights to India. Others are exploring alternative routes through Qatar and Bahrain, while many continue to wait for regular flight services to resume.
The extended suspension has disrupted travel plans across the coastal Karnataka region, leaving Umrah pilgrims and their families concerned about their return journeys and the uncertainty surrounding flight resumption.
Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status and rebooking arrangements before travelling to the airport.