Mangaluru: 500 Hajj pilgrims return safely amid Saudi Arabia flight disruptions

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 26, 2026: Around 500 Hajj pilgrims from Mangaluru have returned home safely amid widespread travel disruptions caused by attacks by Houthi rebels on airports in Saudi Arabia, which have led to the suspension of flight operations at major airports and left thousands of pilgrims stranded.

Most of the pilgrims who travelled for Hajj through the Dakshina Kannada Hajj and Umrah Private Tour Organisers Association have returned to Mangaluru, while around 100 are still awaiting their return, association representative Zakir said. Accommodation and other necessary arrangements have been made for those still in Saudi Arabia.

Pilgrims Asked to Leave Airport

Around 40 pilgrims from Mangaluru had reached Dammam airport on October 22 to return home. However, they were suddenly asked to leave the waiting hall and were taken elsewhere. Sounds of explosions were reportedly heard later.

Return Journey via Qatar

Most of the pilgrims have returned to India via Qatar. They obtained Qatari visas and travelled by road from Saudi Arabia to Qatar before taking flights to Calicut or Bengaluru and then reaching Mangaluru.

The steep rise in airfares from Qatar has become another major challenge. Some pilgrims are considering returning through Oman as an alternative.

Stranded Pilgrims Seek Assistance

The difficulties faced by Hajj pilgrims continue, with hundreds seeking help to return home. The emergency operation centres set up by the Karnataka State Hajj Department received more than 100 calls on Saturday alone from people reporting their difficulties.

Most callers said they were stranded due to the lack of available flights and requested assistance in arranging air travel. Some also complained that they had run out of money and that travel agents were demanding additional payments.