4000 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia Amid Flight Cancellations; MEA Steps In to Facilitate Return

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that it was coordinating with tour operators and airlines to facilitate the early return of Indian Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia following flight disruptions linked to attacks on airport infrastructure.

The ministry’s response came after AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi raised concerns over thousands of pilgrims being stranded in the holy cities of Makkah and Madina.

“Four thousand pilgrims from India are stuck in Makkah and Madina. They flew via IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India but are now stuck there since these airlines have cancelled their flights,” Owaisi said in a post on X.

He urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to allow airlines to deploy larger aircraft to bring the pilgrims home or arrange dedicated flights for their return.

Hours later, the MEA said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were actively coordinating with the concerned airlines and tour operators to ensure the early return of affected pilgrims.

According to the ministry, approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India on available flights over the preceding week. This was in addition to more than 10,000 regular Umrah pilgrims who had returned on scheduled services.

The MEA also shared helpline numbers for control rooms established to assist Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia.

Flight schedules have been significantly disrupted following attacks on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, complicating travel arrangements for Indian pilgrims awaiting their return.