Freebird Airlines Flight Mechanical Breakdown Causes 15-Hour Unhandled Jeddah Delay
During our Umrah pilgrimage starting on December 29, 2025, we flew from İzmir Menderes Airport to Medina with Freebird Airlines, stayed in Medina for 4 days, and then traveled to Mecca by bus. We purchased this trip through Tek Koza Eyra Tourism, and our return journey was scheduled for January 17, 2026, from Jeddah Airport to İzmir.
On the day of return, we were told at Jeddah Airport that our flight was delayed due to a mechanical breakdown. We were initially kept waiting for a long time at the hotel and in a prayer hall. This waiting process lasted around 5 to 6 hours, during which we were asked not to check out of the hotel. Afterward, they took us to the airport, where we were told to wait again, and we were forced to sit in the airport's prayer room for about 9 to 10 hours. Throughout this process, no proper information was provided nor was a clear departure time given; although we were told every two hours that departure would happen, these promises were not kept, resulting in a very long overall delay.
Furthermore, on the return leg, we only had our outbound tickets; our return flight tickets were never issued to us. Consequently, we were unable to obtain any official documentation regarding the delay and process we experienced. During this period, we were forced to spend our own money for food and drinks at the airport, with no complimentary refreshments or assistance provided. Due to the prolonged waiting, exhaustion, and unsuitable conditions, we became severely ill upon returning, making this trip extremely draining for us both spiritually and physically. Despite all the hardships we suffered, neither the airline nor the travel agency provided a satisfactory explanation.
Due to the extensive delay, improper waiting conditions, out-of-pocket expenses, the withholding of our return tickets, and the subsequent health issues we suffered, I demand that our grievances be addressed and that compensation be paid to me.
