Assam Umrah Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia Amid Flight Disruptions

NAZIRA, October 16, 2026 — Several pilgrims from Assam, including a family from Nazira, have reportedly been stranded in Saudi Arabia following flight disruptions amid security concerns in the Middle East, causing anxiety among their relatives back home.

According to information received, the pilgrims from Sivasagar, Charaideo and other parts of Assam had travelled to Saudi Arabia for a 15-day Umrah pilgrimage. After completing their religious rituals, they were scheduled to return to India by air on the night of October 15.

Maulana Mufti Faruk, a pilgrim from Sivasagar associated with the travel agency, said the group was scheduled to fly from Madinah to Hyderabad at around 2 am before boarding a connecting IndiGo flight to Guwahati.

He said the airline had informed them that flight services would remain suspended until October 24. The reported suspension has left the pilgrims uncertain about their return arrangements.

The situation has become particularly difficult as their 15-day travel packages have expired, along with the validity of the hotel accommodation included in them. Some pilgrims are reportedly struggling to arrange accommodation and meet additional expenses.

Pilgrims from Nazira have conveyed their difficulties to their families over the phone, saying financial constraints have made it difficult to afford hotel stays. Their families in Nazira and neighbouring areas are anxiously awaiting further updates.

Unless alternative arrangements are made earlier, the pilgrims may have to wait until October 24 for their return flights. The stranded pilgrims and their families are hoping for urgent assistance to facilitate their safe and early return to Assam.