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IN PHOTOS: Stranded Umrah pilgrims return to Ahmedabad, families thank govt

Updated On: 04 March, 2026 11:20 AM IST | Tarun Verma

Umrah pilgrims stranded in Jeddah amid the West Asia tensions arrived safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Families expressed gratitude to the government for facilitating their return after flight cancellations on February 28. (Pics/PTI)

Umrah pilgrims stranded in Jeddah amid the West Asia tensions arrived safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Families expressed gratitude to the government for facilitating their return after flight cancellations on February 28. (Pics/PTI)

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Umrah pilgrims stranded in Jeddah amid the West Asia tensions arrived safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Families expressed gratitude to the government for facilitating their return after flight cancellations on February 28. (Pics/PTI)
<p>Passengers arriving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were warmly received at Terminal 2 of Ahmedabad International Airport</p>

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Passengers arriving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were warmly received at Terminal 2 of Ahmedabad International Airport

<p>Many of the passengers had travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. However, several return flights scheduled for February 28 were cancelled due to escalating tensions linked to the Israel-Iran conflict, leaving families in distress</p>

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Many of the passengers had travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. However, several return flights scheduled for February 28 were cancelled due to escalating tensions linked to the Israel-Iran conflict, leaving families in distress

<p>A family member added, &ldquo;The last few days were difficult, but we are grateful to the government. Thank you, Modiji&rdquo;</p>

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A family member added, “The last few days were difficult, but we are grateful to the government. Thank you, Modiji”

<p>On February 28, Tehran was rocked by massive explosions after Israel launched what it described as &ldquo;preventive&rdquo; missile strikes against Iran, dramatically escalating tensions in the region, local media reported</p>

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On February 28, Tehran was rocked by massive explosions after Israel launched what it described as “preventive” missile strikes against Iran, dramatically escalating tensions in the region, local media reported

<p>Before taking a call on military strikes against Iran, US President Trump had already delivered the same message at least 74 times: Tehran cannot have a nuclear weapon</p>

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Before taking a call on military strikes against Iran, US President Trump had already delivered the same message at least 74 times: Tehran cannot have a nuclear weapon

<p>A family member told IANS, &ldquo;My sister had gone for Umrah. Her return flight on the 28th was cancelled, and she was extremely worried. We appealed to the government for help, and the authorities assisted us in bringing her back safely. It is a moment of great happiness for our family&rdquo;</p>

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A family member told IANS, “My sister had gone for Umrah. Her return flight on the 28th was cancelled, and she was extremely worried. We appealed to the government for help, and the authorities assisted us in bringing her back safely. It is a moment of great happiness for our family”

<p>An Indian passenger being welcomed by family members upon her arrival on a flight from Saudi Arabia, amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict</p>

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An Indian passenger being welcomed by family members upon her arrival on a flight from Saudi Arabia, amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict

<p>A relative said, &ldquo;My son had gone to Mecca for Umrah. His flight was cancelled on February 28. The media and the government helped us a lot. The authorities were very supportive&rdquo;</p>

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A relative said, “My son had gone to Mecca for Umrah. His flight was cancelled on February 28. The media and the government helped us a lot. The authorities were very supportive”

<p>Families and well-wishers gathered at the airport to welcome them home, expressing gratitude to the government for facilitating their safe return amid recent travel disruptions.</p>

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Families and well-wishers gathered at the airport to welcome them home, expressing gratitude to the government for facilitating their safe return amid recent travel disruptions.

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