Around 4,000 Indian pilgrims are stranded in the holy cities of Makkah and Madina in Saudi Arabia following flight cancellations amid rising regional tensions.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has appealed to the government and aviation regulator to arrange additional flights to bring the stranded pilgrims back to India.
In a post on X, Owaisi said the pilgrims had travelled to Saudi Arabia on IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India services but were unable to return because the airlines had cancelled their flights.
He urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to allow airlines to deploy larger aircraft to accommodate the stranded passengers or arrange special flights if regular services could not resume.
“The Indian pilgrims have been abandoned by their travel agents,” Owaisi said, calling for urgent government intervention and assistance for those affected.
MEA SAYS 3,000 STRANDED PILGRIMS HAVE RETURNED
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said approximately 3,000 Umrah pilgrims who had been stranded in Saudi Arabia returned to India over the past week on available flights. More than 10,000 other pilgrims also travelled back during the same period on their scheduled services.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to help those who remained stranded.
“Arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest,” Jaiswal said.
He added that Indian diplomatic missions, with support from community volunteers, were providing assistance to affected nationals. Round-the-clock control rooms have also been set up to respond to queries and offer support, while regular advisories are being issued.
INDIGO, AKASA AIR EXTEND FLIGHT SUSPENSIONS
The disruption follows the suspension of flights between India and several Saudi Arabian cities amid escalating regional tensions and security concerns after attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madina until October 24. Akasa Air has extended its suspension of services to Riyadh until the same date. Air India and Air India Express have also announced cancellations on key routes to Saudi Arabia.
The disruptions have affected passengers' return plans, with Umrah pilgrims facing particular difficulties because their accommodation and travel arrangements are often organised through tour operators with fixed schedules.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have advised affected passengers to stay in touch with their airlines and travel providers while efforts continue to arrange their return. Depending on their airline and booking terms, passengers may be eligible for refunds or rescheduled flights.
HELPLINE NUMBERS FOR STRANDED INDIANS
Indian nationals needing assistance can contact the Embassy of India in Riyadh or the Consulate General of India in Jeddah through their designated helplines.
Embassy of India, Riyadh
Phone: +966-5544 12016 or +966-5421 26784
Toll-free number within Saudi Arabia: 800247 1234
WhatsApp: +966-53621 6082
Consulate General of India, Jeddah
Phone: +966-12-261 4093 or +966-5561 22301
WhatsApp: +966-53620 9704
The Indian missions have urged affected nationals to follow official advisories and coordinate with their airlines and travel operators as arrangements for their return continue to be discussed.
