82 Uzbek Citizens Stranded at Istanbul Airport

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Eighty-two citizens of Uzbekistan returning from Saudi Arabia were temporarily stranded at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport during transit on their way home.

The pilgrims had traveled on the Riyadh–Istanbul–Shymkent–Tashkent route as part of Umrah journeys organized through private travel companies Ihlos Travel and Hikmat Travel.

Authorities determined that the situation arose due to improper fulfillment of obligations by the mentioned companies, leaving passengers in difficult conditions during transit abroad.

Following the incident, negotiations were held with relevant authorities and company representatives. As a result, arrangements were made to provide the citizens with food, transport, and other necessary support while they remained in the airport transit zone.

The return of the Uzbek citizens was subsequently placed under full control and successfully organized via a coordinated route back home.

Officials also reminded travelers and tourism operators to strictly comply with all travel regulations, ensure proper ticketing and booking across full routes, maintain accurate transit information, and provide passenger support in case of emergencies.