Over 250 Umrah pilgrims stranded in Lahore after flight cancellation

2026-02-20 - 21:43

More than 250 Umrah pilgrims have been left stranded in Lahore for the past three days after their flight to Jeddah was abruptly cancelled by Saudi Arabian Airlines, despite boarding passes having already been issued. According to the affected pilgrims, they were scheduled to depart for Jeddah on Wednesday from AllamaIqbal International Airport. However, at the last moment, they were informed that the aircraft had developed a technical fault and the flight could not proceed. The passengers, many of whom had already entered into Ihram, said they were left waiting at the airport without clear communication from airline staff. Later, they were shifted to various hotels in Lahore, where they have now been staying for three days. The pilgrims stated that the airline has been assuring them daily that the flight would depart “tomorrow,” but no departure has taken place so far. They expressed frustration over the lack of clear information and response from airline representatives. The group includes women, children, and elderly individuals. “We have bookings in Makkah and Madinah, and three days have already passed. What is our fault?” one pilgrim questioned. The stranded passengers also lodged complaints with the Pakistan Airport Authority but claim that no positive response has been received. With mounting distress and uncertainty, the pilgrims have begun protesting inside their hotels, demanding immediate arrangements for their departure to Saudi Arabia.