Hundreds of Umrah pilgrims await refunds after flight cancellations

Hyderabad: Hundreds of pilgrims from Hyderabad who planned to perform Umrah during the Dussehra holidays have been left distressed following sudden flight cancellations, with many still awaiting refunds for advance ticket payments.

Pilgrims appealed to IndiGo and Air India Express to release 100 per cent of ticket amounts for flights cancelled from October 12 onwards. Hyderabad Umrah Organisers urged airlines to transfer refund amounts directly to Consolidated Agents’ accounts so money can be returned to affected passengers without delay.

Organiser Syed Shah Iftikharuddin Quadri stated that pilgrims paid full airfare in advance and airlines assured complete refunds. However, most passengers have not received money, causing widespread anxiety. Organisers stated representations are being submitted to Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi seeking intervention.

Conference speakers, including Saleh Ba Salama, Abdullah, Syed Maqsood Rahmath, Abdul Aziz Javed, Abubakar Shareef, Mohammed Abdul Qadeer, Mohammed Faisal, and Hamid Abdul Mannan, urged public representatives to contact airline officials, specifically IndiGo in-charge VV Chari, Air India Express in-charge Sai Kumar, and airline revenue departments.

Organisers stressed that pilgrims should not suffer financially after religious journeys were disrupted due to external circumstances.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MM Farooqui

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M M Farooqui, senior correspondent with interest in writing a range of stories about Hyderabad and its Purana Sheher. An experienced journalist specializing in departments including Heritage, Transport, Municipal Corporation, Majlis among others with over six years of writing expertise. When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time in eating Hyderabadi cuisines, Mughlai, Chinese, exploring new things and listening to songs and qawwalis. Farooqui is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing with six years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres. Farooqui’s diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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