Rabat– Around 350 Moroccan pilgrims are facing a dire situation at Jeddah International Airport after their flight to Morocco, initially scheduled for April 8, 2025, was unexpectedly delayed.
The flight, operated by Saudi airline Manasik Aviation, was postponed without any prior warning or clear explanation, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
Videos shared widely on social media show pilgrims, some lying on the floor to rest after hours of waiting, expressing their anger and anxiety.
Many passengers say they were only informed of the flight delay at the last minute, with no official communication or new departure time provided. As a result, they were forced to return to the hotels they had previously checked out of, adding to the confusion and distress.
The situation has raised concerns about the health and well-being of the pilgrims, especially the older people and those with existing medical conditions, who have been left in uncertain and uncomfortable circumstances.
The airline has offered no clear explanation for the delay, and there has been no visible support or assistance from its representatives.
Pilgrims have expressed their anger on social media, demanding answers and urgent intervention from Moroccan authorities. In the videos, many call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Transport to intervene immediately and resolve the situation.
They are seeking reassurance about their return to Morocco and a swift resolution to the ongoing ordeal.
Despite the urgent calls for action, dozens of pilgrims remain stranded at Jeddah Airport, with no concrete updates from the airline or local authorities. The airline has stated that the delay is due to a “technical problem,” but has failed to provide further details or a specific time for the resumption of the flight.
The delay is also affecting other planned flights, as the same plane is scheduled to transport another group of Moroccan pilgrims to the holy sites, potentially disrupting additional travel plans.
The uncertainty and lack of communication have only added to the distress of the affected pilgrims, elevating the need for immediate intervention to ensure their safe and timely return to Morocco.
