Return flight cancellations leave thousands of Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims stranded

Thousands of Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims, including elderly men and women, have been stranded in Saudi Arabia after return flights were abruptly cancelled amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, leaving uncertainty over when they will be able to return home.
Many of the stranded pilgrims -- particularly older travellers -- are facing significant hardship. With extended stays, several are struggling to meet daily expenses and are being forced to seek financial assistance. They have urged the Bangladesh government to intervene.
Abdul Hannan, principal of Daulatgonj Gazimura Kamil Madrasa, travelled to Saudi Arabia on a 19-day Umrah package and was scheduled to return on 23 March. However, his flight was cancelled, and he has remained stranded since then. He has been unable to secure an alternative ticket, as most airlines have suspended operations.
“I have been stranded here for five days, and it is still uncertain when I can return to Bangladesh,” he told Daily Sun over the phone.
Many pilgrims are enduring similar distress. Some had travelled with elderly family members, adding to their concerns. Dr Sayeed Noman, an assistant professor at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, is stranded along with his mother.
“It is mentally very stressful, as my mother is here with me and I do not know how long we will have to stay,” he said.
A number of pilgrims had taken short leave from their jobs or businesses in Bangladesh for 15 to 19 days to perform Umrah. With no clear timeline for their return, many are now worried about their professional commitments.
Milon Ahmed, an employee at an IT company, said he had already taken extended leave and is now uncertain about his return date. “I am worried about my job,” he said.
Financial strain has emerged as a major concern, as most pilgrims did not carry significant extra funds beyond their planned expenses.
Abdul Hannan said he travelled in a group of 18 people, several of whom are now facing financial difficulties. “We did not bring extra money, as we had planned our expenses based on the Umrah package and small purchases. We have spent almost everything and are now nearly empty-handed,” he said.
While most airlines have cancelled flights, a few are operating on a limited scale, with ticket prices rising sharply. However, even at higher prices, tickets remain difficult to obtain.

Another pilgrim, Md Kamrul, said return fares from Saudi Arabia to Dhaka are being sold for 2,800 to 3,200 Saudi riyals (Tk90,000 to Tk1.40 lakh), compared with the usual fare of around 900 riyals (Tk30,000). “Even at these high prices, tickets are very hard to find,” he added.
Bangladeshi pilgrims typically travel to Saudi Arabia through Hajj agencies. Farid Ahmed Majumder, secretary general of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), said there is no precise data on the number of stranded pilgrims, but estimates suggest around 5,000.
“We sent a letter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on 7 March informing them of the situation and urging immediate action,” he said.
“The government could arrange special flights or direct private airlines to operate services at reduced fares. However, we have not yet received any response,” he added.
Farid said HAAB leaders plan to visit the ministry again on 29 March to discuss the matter further.