It is reported that on April 18, 82 citizens returning to Uzbekistan from Saudi Arabia via Turkey found themselves in a difficult situation at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. They had planned their Umrah pilgrimage via the "Riyadh — Istanbul — Shymkent — Tashkent" route using the services of the private tourism firms "Ihlos Travel" and "Hikmat Travel".
As a result of the obligations placed on the parties not being fully fulfilled, the pilgrims found themselves in a difficult situation abroad. Through the intervention of the relevant authorities, negotiations were held, the citizens in the transit area were provided with food, transport, and essential services, and their safe return to the Homeland was fully controlled.
Officials reminded citizens and tourism firms of the necessity to ensure travel routes, transit details, and constant communication with pilgrims in order to prevent such situations in the future.
