Srinagar:
Indian pilgrimage operators face rising losses as many Muslims cancel trips to Saudi Arabia’s holy cities due to escalating conflict in West Asia.
At the start of Ramadan last month, over 904,000 Umrah pilgrims visited Makkah. As Ramadan is a favored time for pilgrimages, numbers were expected to grow. However, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, including the killing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, tensions soared, leading to closed airspace in several Gulf countries and major disruptions in air travel.
According to Saudi Arabia’s official reports, India ranks third in sending Umrah pilgrims, with about 1.8 million expected in 2024, marking a 32% rise from 2023. During Ramadan in 2025, 122 million worshippers were reported to have completed the pilgrimage.
Approximately 100,000 Indian Muslims aim to perform Umrah during Ramadan for its spiritual significance. Ghulam Mohammad, a representative from the All India Haj Umrah Tour Organisers Association, noted that flight cancellations are making it difficult for many pilgrims. Some are even stranded in Saudi Arabia. Operators have reached out to India’s Ministry of External Affairs for assistance.
Umrah, unlike the annual Hajj pilgrimage, can be performed any time of year. It typically involves visits to the holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah. Costs can vary widely, with packages during Ramadan costing around Rs 2 lakh per person due to increased demand.
In Kashmir, the pilgrimage has been growing in popularity. However, recent conflicts have decreased the number of pilgrims from the region. Official data shows a drop of around 2,000 travelers through Srinagar Airport in the past month.
Bashir Ahmad, a local tour operator, had to cancel a group of 32 intending pilgrims, resulting in significant losses. Syed Iqbal, another operator with 25 years in the business, expressed concern that fear stemming from the conflict could affect future Hajj pilgrimages. After the pandemic, last year saw 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims attending Hajj.
The travel disruptions have left over 250 pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia, with many struggling to manage their own accommodations and meals. One Kashmiri pilgrim mentioned that while some are returning as flights resume, others remain stuck due to delays with their airline.
In addition to the dire implications for pilgrims, social media reactions reflect growing concern about traveling to the region. A surge in apprehensive posts illustrates how the conflict affects not just pilgrims, but families and communities awaiting their safe return.
As the situation evolves, experts urge continued monitoring of travel updates. For those interested in more in-depth analyses, the World Health Organization and United Nations offer valuable insights into global situations that impact travel and safety.
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AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI, WEST ASIA CRISIS, HAJ AND UMRAH, INDIAN PILGRIMS CANCEL UMRAH, WEST ASIA CONFLICT FORCES INDIAN PILGRIMS TO CANCEL UMRAH, OPERATORS FACE HEAVY LOSSES
