Hundreds of Nigerian pilgrims were left stranded near Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, after Saudi carrier Flynas allegedly cancelled their flights with only a few hours’ notice.

The pilgrims said they had purchased tickets from the Saudi airline for flights scheduled to depart last Sunday. Instead, the flights were cancelled shortly before departure, leaving them stranded from Sunday until Thursday without clear information about when, where, or whether alternative flights would be arranged.

According to the affected pilgrims, Flynas failed to provide an explanation for the cancellations, leaving many in a state of confusion and distress. They said they were unable to decide whether to abandon their pilgrimage plans altogether or continue waiting in the hope that replacement flights would eventually be provided.

The Saudi airline has also been accused of failing to meet its basic obligations towards the stranded passengers. Pilgrims said they were not provided with accommodation, food, or compensation during the days-long disruption, despite having paid for their tickets and prepared for the journey to perform Hajj.

The incident raises serious questions about the treatment of African pilgrims by Saudi companies involved in Hajj travel services, particularly when last-minute disruptions leave vulnerable passengers exposed to financial loss, emotional distress and logistical uncertainty.

Some of the stranded pilgrims also claimed that Saudi officials created an atmosphere of intimidation, discouraging them from complaining or speaking to the media about their ordeal. They said they feared that public criticism could jeopardise their chances of travelling to the Hijaz and fulfilling their dream of performing the pilgrimage.

For many of those affected, the issue is not merely a cancelled flight. It is a breach of trust by a Saudi airline operating during one of the most sensitive religious travel seasons, when delays and silence can shatter years of savings, preparation and hope.