400 Tourists from Kolhapur-Sangli Stranded; Umrah Pilgrimage Disrupted Amid Flight Cancellations

Around 400 tourists from western Maharashtra remain stranded overseas after flight cancellations disrupted travel plans, leaving Umrah pilgrims stuck in Jeddah and families anxious back home

Kolhapur | 02 March 2026: Nearly 400 tourists from Kolhapur and Sangli districts are stranded abroad following widespread flight cancellations triggered by escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East. Among them are 40 Umrah pilgrims currently held up in Jeddah after their scheduled return flights to India were abruptly cancelled.

According to Irshad Sheikh of Sofiya Tours and Travels, based in Jaysingpur, the group was due to return home this week but has been accommodated in local hotels until alternative arrangements are made. A separate batch of 40 pilgrims preparing to depart for Umrah has also faced uncertainty due to the disrupted flight schedules.

Tour operators said efforts are underway to secure revised bookings as airlines reassess routes and clearances. Rajendra Bugade, director of A Heaven Tours, expressed optimism that travel corridors would reopen soon, allowing stranded passengers to resume their journeys.

Meanwhile, anxiety has gripped families in Kolhapur, particularly as reports indicate that around 132 residents from the district are currently in sensitive regions. District disaster management officials confirmed that a youth from Chandgad is presently in Tehran for shipping-related work. Authorities have not yet established contact with him as he is in transit.

Local administration officials said they are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with travel agencies to ensure the safety and return of all affected residents.

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