Over 400 Hajj pilgrims stuck at JKIA due to lack of flights
What you need to know:
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) leaders say it has not been easy to get a plane from Saudi Arabia.
- From Thursday, the Saudi Arabian Government will not allow any flights from foreign countries into its capital.
More than 400 pilgrims expected to travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj were stranded on Wednesday at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, due to lack of flights to Riyadh.
The pilgrims were told by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) leaders that it has not been easy to get a plane from Saudi Arabia because most international airlines are booked for pilgrims from other countries.
Furthermore, the pilgrims risk missing the trip because from Thursday, the Saudi Arabian Government will not allow any flights from foreign countries into its capital as part of security measures being put in place for the pilgrims.
“People are really frustrated because of the way events are unfolding here. We are appealing to the Foreign Affairs ministry to help us get a solution,” said a Mr Omar, a pilgrim.
Supkem Assistant Treasurer Abdalla Ali, who was among the pilgrims, acknowledged the problems, but said they are in talks with the Saudi Arabian government to find a solution and ensure all pilgrims travel.
