What was meant to be a sacred journey of devotion and spiritual renewal has instead become an anxious wait at OR Tambo International Airport for Muhammed Ismail and his wife, Fatima.
The South African couple was preparing to embark on the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the blessed month of Ramadan.
The Ismails saw this as a lifelong dream that would bring them closer to their creator. Their bags were packed, their hearts set on prayer and performing the rituals of Tawaf and Sa’I, as per the traditions of their faith.
However, their plans were abruptly halted when Emirates Airlines cancelled all flights amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to Sunday World, Ismail recounted the moment their spiritual journey became uncertain.
“We were supposed to fly on Saturday. Initially, we were booked with Emirates, but our flight was rescheduled with Qatar Airways. It is the blessed month, so we wanted to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and perform Umrah. Then we received the terrible news that flights were being cancelled because countries hosting US military bases had closed their airspace,” said Ismail.
The couple found themselves standing in front of empty information desks, searching for answers.
Their worst travel nightmare unfolded before them when the airline’s representatives confirmed that all flights affected had been suspended. Despite the disruption, Ismail said they remain grateful.
“Everything is so uncertain right now, but we thank God that we are safe,” he said.
He acknowledged that airlines are navigating a global crisis beyond their control and said they were offered two options: a refund or rescheduling.
Meanwhile, a group of eight pensioners from Mpumalanga have been forced to postpone a long-awaited pilgrimage to India after their flights were unexpectedly cancelled.
The group had planned to spend two weeks in Delhi on a spiritual pilgrimage, having already paid for flights and accommodation. Reshini Jagadis (66) described the financial and emotional toll the cancellation has had on the group.
“The trip was very expensive, and it has severely affected our budget. We are losing a lot of money and time. At our age, we do not know if we will live to see this trip eventually. I could just not wake up tomorrow.
“We came here because at our age, we only take information from authorised people because there are a lot of reports on
social media, and we don’t know who to trust,” she said.
Jagadis clarified that the group left Mpumalanga for the airport, having confirmed their flight online.
Upon arrival, Qatar staff informed them that the flights had been cancelled. In addition to the disruption, the group claims their travel insurance provider has refused to compensate them for their losses.
