300 Surat Umrah Pilgrims Stranded in Mecca Amid Iran-Israel Airspace Crisis

Surat | Gujarat — Tensions between Israel and Iran have triggered a major aviation crisis across the Middle East, leaving over 300 Umrah pilgrims from Surat district stranded in Mecca and Medina after widespread flight cancellations. With airspace restrictions imposed for security reasons, international services — including flights to Saudi Arabia and transit hubs like Dubai — have been suspended indefinitely, sparking anxiety among families back home.

The stranded pilgrims, hailing from Mosali, Khattar, Kholvad, Kosamba, Olpad, Mangrol and Tadkeshwar in Surat district, had travelled to Saudi Arabia ahead of Ramadan to perform Umrah. However, after completing nearly 10 days of religious rituals, their return plans were disrupted as airlines halted operations amid escalating hostilities.

Families in Surat are now gripped by uncertainty. Several relatives have urged authorities to intervene and arrange special evacuation flights as commercial services remain unpredictable. Flights operated by major Indian carriers such as IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have either been cancelled or remain on hold due to regional airspace closures.

The suspension of flights to and from Dubai has further complicated transit options for Indian pilgrims. Many were scheduled to return via connecting routes through Gulf airports, which are currently facing operational disruptions.

Amid growing concern, Haji Mohammad Rizwan Rangwala from Ahmedabad, who is presently in Mecca for Umrah, sought to calm fears through a social media message. In an Instagram post, he reassured families in Gujarat that the situation in Mecca remains peaceful despite the geopolitical tensions.

“There is a war going on between Iran and Israel, and many Umrah flights have been cancelled,” he said. “Families in Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat are very worried. But I want to inform everyone that there is no serious situation in Mecca. Everything is normal here. Those who have come for Umrah are safe.”

He confirmed that flights from Jeddah to Ahmedabad have been cancelled for now, but emphasized that pilgrims are secure and continuing their stay without disturbance.