Jakarta. A delayed Lion Air flight has left 400 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims stranded at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Thursday evening local time.

The Indonesia-bound JT-111 flight was initially scheduled for Wednesday night. Sudden delays forced the passengers to spend the night in the departure terminal, with some even having to sleep on the floor. They were still waiting for updates as of Friday morning Jakarta time. 

"We have been stuck at the airport for 2 days and 1 night without any uncertainties as to when our flight will be," stranded pilgrim Sri told Beritasatu.com.

About 70% of the pilgrims are reportedly elderly, and some have begun to fall ill from waiting too long. Sri went on to say that the pilgrims' psychological well-being is currently at its lowest point. Although the airline has provided buses and accommodation, most people prefer to wait at the airport to avoid going through the "extremely draining" immigration procedures.

"We're already exhausted if we have to go through another lengthy immigration process. It's better to stay here than to be in and out of hotels with flight schedules still unclear," Sri said.

Murni, another pilgrim who is also stuck in the airport, complained about the unexpected additional costs. 

"We even get charged for the wheelchairs," Murni said.

Lion Air Group has yet to respond to Beritasatu.com's request for comments.

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