Relief for 41 Bhokardan passengers stranded in Riyadh

Lokmat News Network

Jalna:

In a bizarre incident, the issue of 41 passengers from Bhokardan tehsil, who were stranded in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), have finally been resolved. The intervention of MP Supriya Sule compelled the airline to step back and make alternative arrangements. Akasa Air had abruptly cancelled the flight, leaving passengers in distress, but the situation changed after Sule raised the matter on social media.

The flight scheduled for Monday (April 6) from Riyadh to Mumbai was cancelled, leaving all the passengers from Bhokardan stranded abroad. Taking serious note of the situation, Sule directly appealed for urgent intervention from the Ministry of External Affairs (MoEA), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. She shared details of the passengers on social media and urged immediate action.

Following this, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh became active and assured that all necessary assistance would be provided. Coordination with the airline was initiated. Eventually, Akasa Air had to arrange alternative travel for the stranded passengers. Initially, passengers had complained that there was no response from the airline. However, due to Sule’s persistent follow-up, along with efforts from former MLA Chandrakant Danve and his brother Sudhakar Danve, the issue was resolved.

Airline’s response

The airline stated that due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, flight operations to Riyadh had been intermittently suspended for safety reasons. It claimed that passengers had been informed in advance, though passengers alleged they had not received proper communication.

41 passengers to return in three phases

April 8: Jeddah to Mumbai – 12 passengers

April 9: Jeddah to Mumbai – 15 passengers

April 10: Jeddah to Mumbai – 14 passengers

The pilgrims thanked the political leaders Sule and Danves for taking note of our difficulties and helping ensure our safe return to India. It gave us great relief, they stressed.

Support from former union Minister

Former union Minister Raosaheb Danve also extended assistance. He was informed about the situation by two workers, Jafar Bhai and Shaikh Hakim, who were themselves among the stranded passengers. Danve intervened by contacting officials from the MoEA and the airline, and also provided some financial assistance to the affected passengers.