210 Gujaratis return from Saudi Arabia amid West Asia tensions, emotional scenes at Ahmedabad airport

Amid escalating tensions and a deteriorating war-like situation in the West Asia, as many as 210 Gujaratis stranded in Saudi Arabia have safely returned home, triggering emotional scenes at Ahmedabad airport late on Tuesday night.

The passengers, who had travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage, landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport after days of uncertainty caused by flight disruptions and rising costs due to the regional crisis. Their safe return was made possible through coordinated efforts by the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs, bringing much-needed relief to worried families.

According to available details, 205 passengers arrived directly from Jeddah on an IndiGo flight (6E 8623), which touched down in Ahmedabad around 11 pm. The remaining five passengers returned via Dubai on a relief flight, landed in Mumbai, and later travelled to Surat by train.

Passengers shared accounts of the anxiety they faced as flights were grounded and hotel tariffs soared amid the conflict. Many said they lived in constant fear and uncertainty, unsure of when they would be able to return home. Information about the special flight, received through tour operators and social media, proved crucial in ensuring their safe return.

The airport terminal witnessed emotional reunions as family members and friends gathered in large numbers to welcome the returnees with garlands and warm embraces. Parents reunited with children and relatives broke down in tears, relieved that their loved ones had returned safely.

Several passengers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government, the Ministry of External Affairs, local legislators and the Haj Committee for their timely intervention and support, stating that the coordinated efforts helped them return home safely during a period of heightened tension.