Islamabad, July 21, 2025: In a frustrating turn of events, over 250 passengers, including numerous Umrah pilgrims, were left stranded at Lahore Airport after SereenAir’s Lahore to Jeddah flight was cancelled without prior notice.
The flight, ER-821, scheduled to depart at 12:45 PM on Sunday, was initially delayed for more than three hours, according to passengers. Boarding passes had already been issued, and travelers were moved to the departure lounge when airline staff announced a short delay. However, what followed left many disheartened.
Despite repeated reassurances from the airline, the flight was eventually called off, leaving pilgrims—many in ihram—devastated and confused. No clear explanation or alternative travel arrangements were provided at the time of cancellation.
Pilgrims Protest at Airport Terminal
The abrupt announcement sparked anger and protest. Several passengers voiced their frustration, with some engaging in arguments with staff and others staging a peaceful sit-in within the terminal. Videos circulated online show distressed families and elderly pilgrims sitting on the floor, chanting slogans and demanding urgent action from the airline’s management.
“We were kept in the dark,” said one affected passenger. “They kept saying the plane would depart soon, and suddenly, they just cancelled it. No compensation, no hotel, nothing.”
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SereenAir’s Explanation for the Sudden Cancellation
Later in the day, a SereenAir spokesperson clarified that the aircraft allocated for the Jeddah route had suffered a technical fault in Karachi, making it unsafe for operation. “We are actively working to resolve the issue,” the spokesperson said. “If an alternative aircraft isn’t arranged in time, affected passengers will be accommodated in hotels and provided with essential support.”
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As of the latest update, no revised flight schedule has been announced, and passengers are still awaiting further instructions.
