The Tourism Ministry office at Cairo airport has successfully intervened to solve the problem of a number of pilgrims stranded and lying on the floor of the departure hall after their travel agencies refused to give them their passports.

Agents of the travel companies have been summoned to hand the pilgrims their passports. The companies cancelled their tickets because the pilgrims had not appeared on time for departure.

The Tourism Ministry office made sure their tickets were re-booked and the pilgrims boarded different flights to Saudi Arabia according to available seats.

The Tourism Ministry office at the airport has started a probe with the travel agencies.

The outcome of the investigation will be referred to a legal panel to decide on a punishment.

The Tourism Ministry urged all citizens not to deal with brokers and to directly contact licensed travel companies.

Passengers should make sure that they have the visa on their passports before heading to the airport, the Tourism Ministry advised.