A flight from Lahore to Jeddah was abruptly cancelled on Sunday after a delay of more than three hours, prompting protests from over 250 passengers, many of whom were Umrah pilgrims.

Flight ER-821, scheduled to depart at 12:45pm, had issued boarding passes and moved passengers to the departure lounge before announcing a one-hour delay.

However, the airline later cancelled the flight without providing an immediate explanation, leaving dozens of pilgrims many dressed in ihram stranded at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

The sudden cancellation sparked outrage among passengers. Some engaged in heated arguments with airline staff, while others staged a sit-in at the terminal, demanding urgent alternative arrangements for their travel to Jeddah.

“The airline kept assuring us that the flight would depart shortly, but then they cancelled it without any warning,” said one frustrated passenger. No immediate refund or alternate travel options were offered at the time.

Footage from the airport showed distressed passengers sitting on the terminal floor with their luggage, chanting slogans against the airline’s management.

Later, an airline spokesperson explained that the aircraft, stationed in Karachi, had developed a technical fault, preventing its use for the scheduled Jeddah flight. “The issue is being resolved, and the aircraft is undergoing repairs,” the spokesperson said.

The airline added that if an alternative aircraft is not arranged in time, passengers would be provided with hotel accommodations and other necessary facilities.

However, no revised departure time had been announced at the time of reporting.