Pilgrims left high and dry
NO ONE TO TURN TO: Children stranded at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport put their donated paper and coloring pens to good use. (AN photo by Roger Harrison)
Published: Apr 21, 2010 00:14 Updated: Apr 21, 2010 01:25
JEDDAH: Pregnant women, nursing mothers with their babies, even a wheelchair-bound child and an elderly pilgrim with a heart condition, have spent up to five days at King Abdulaziz International's Saudia terminal in the same clothes they arrived in without access to showers or accommodation.
According to Shaji Nihal of Alblagha Travel, which specializes in Umrah tours, at least 7,000 pilgrims have been left stranded by the lack of flights to European destinations as a result of the volcanic ash that has grounded flights for several days across most of Europe.
While foreign airlines are assisting stranded travelers, passengers traveling by Saudia have become trapped between the airline and their pilgrimage tour operators, known as tawafa agencies. Both sides are denying any responsibility for the passengers.
"We fully understand that Saudia cannot fly us to England yet because of the conditions," said Mohammed, one of the stranded pilgrims. "All we ask for is basic humane conditions and honest, regular updates of information."
Many of the group laughed when Saudia staff said that Saudis stranded at London’s Heathrow airport were being treated the same way. "That is simply not true," said Ahmed, another stranded passenger.
These passengers, many huddled with their families and co-travelers trying their best to maintain composure, decried their treatment by the airline. "We're without money and cannot buy tea or food," said one pilgrim from Preston, UK.
The foreign carriers like British Airways and BMI have been providing accommodation to its customers, but this has not been the case with Saudia passengers.
Legally, the tawafa agencies are responsible for looking after pilgrims while in the Kingdom. However there is dispute as to where the tawafa agency's responsibility ends; many consider the airport drop-off as the last step of their obligations.
Some pilgrims have reported being provided accommodations by their tawafa agencies, but they alleged that their passports would not be returned to them until they settle the bill for the additional lodging.
Ahmed, who like many in the group is in the Kingdom for the first time, said that he wished that he had had "a better experience" than the one he is having. "My Umrah was fine, but this last stage has been nothing but a nightmare," he said.
He also said he feels that airport and airline officials have been less than helpful. "They just jump at you or start shouting; it's insulting," he said. "Maybe that's their way of greeting you, or how they are, but we are not used to that. Where we are from you get a civil answer and a civil response."
On Tuesday night, flights were beginning to leave as Europe reopened its skies. A charter plane was due to take French pilgrims to France via Beirut and the regular Air France flight from Jeddah to Paris was expected to take off just with one pilgrim with a medical condition requiring urgent attention back in France. Three flights to France are expected Thursday.
However, it is likely to take possibly up to a week for all the stranded passengers to return home.

Comments
HASEEB
Apr 24, 2010 11:52
Report abuseAHMED
Apr 24, 2010 11:55
Report abuseFellow muslim's coming for pilgrimage are supposed to be guests of this country and they are humiliated by the hosts. It would be unbelievable if it was not known for a fact.
The behavior of the citizens of this country is deplorable and beyond condemnation. Their arrogance and attitude will be the reason for their doom.
I only implore the non-muslims to not take these Saudis as example of what Muslims are supposed to be. They are the worst possible example of humanity.
I request all the good saudis to take out a strong action against these uneducated, uncivilized officers manning the entry points to your country.
Doesn't our shariah law have punishment for this kind of criminal behavior!!
MOHAMMED
Apr 24, 2010 11:56
Report abuseDR.YOUSUF ANSARI
Apr 24, 2010 11:57
Report abuseTAT
Apr 24, 2010 14:39
Report abuse