82 Uzbek pilgrims stranded at Istanbul airport (video)

Eighty-two Uzbek citizens returning from Saudi Arabia to Uzbekistan via Turkey were stranded at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on April 18, the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul reported.

According to the investigation, the passengers had arranged their Umrah trip through private travel companies “Ihlos Travel” and “Hikmat Travel,” planning to travel along the route “Riyadh – Istanbul – Shymkent – Tashkent.”

However, due to the companies’ failure to properly fulfill their obligations, the citizens found themselves in a difficult situation abroad.

Relevant authorities held negotiations to resolve the issue and also held discussions with representatives of the companies involved.

As a result, the citizens were provided with food, transportation, and other essential services while staying in the airport’s transit area. Their safe return to Uzbekistan along the agreed route was carried out under full supervision.

Earlier, authorities reported the detention of a suspect who demanded $26,000 in exchange for organizing a Hajj pilgrimage.