An official of “Panorama airways” was imprisoned

Those who embarked on Umrah trips but failed to return faced consequences as an official from the private airline, "Panorama Airways," operating primarily in Uzbekistan for Umrah travels, was detained, according to a report from QALAMPIR.UZ.

Recent events surrounding the airline led to this development, particularly passengers stranded in Saudi Arabia after scheduled flights for Umrah trips were delayed or canceled.

Hayat Shamsutdinov, the press secretary of Uzbekistan's General Prosecutor's Office, stated that investigations are ongoing regarding a criminal case initiated by the Transport Prosecutor's Office against officials of the private airline for neglecting to repatriate Umrah travelers and other serious legal violations. However, specific details about the airline and individuals involved were not disclosed.

Shamsutdinov confirmed the detention of one individual as a preventive measure within the framework of the criminal case, citing the need to avoid hindering the truth-finding process.

Earlier in the week, social media circulated reports of numerous Uzbek citizens stranded in Saudi Arabia due to delayed or canceled flights organized by "Panorama Airways," which managed flight arrangements while the tour operator "Gulbahor Airways" handled Umrah tour services.

Some reports indicated that "Gulbahor Airways" provided stranded pilgrims with free accommodations and meals in Saudi Arabia following flight cancellations.

Several representatives from tourist companies, speaking to QALAMPIR.UZ about the situation, revealed cancellations of contracts with "Panorama Airways" due to flight delays, with some opting for alternative arrangements.