MEA steps up assistance as 4000 Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudia; IndiGo cancels flights till October end

Indian airlines have extended flight suspensions following attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure that killed an Indian airport worker and injured several others. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with airlines and tour operators to help stranded pilgrims return home.

Around 4,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims are reported to be stranded in Saudi Arabia after airlines cancelled flights amid rising security concerns in the region. The disruptions have affected travel between India and key Saudi Arabian cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, leaving passengers uncertain about their return dates.

The cancellations follow attacks on Saudi Arabian aviation and energy infrastructure on Wednesday, October 21, in which an Indian national was killed and several others were injured. The incidents have raised security concerns and prompted airlines to review their operations.

India has strongly condemned the attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, describing them as “completely unacceptable” and calling for an immediate halt to such strikes.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of affected pilgrims. The missions are also providing welfare assistance and issuing regular advisories to Indian nationals.

IndiGo extends flight cancellations until October 31 on Riyadh route

IndiGo has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh until October 31, 2026. Services to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until October 27, according to the airline's travel advisory issued on October 23.

The airline said the decision followed an assessment of the evolving security situation and was taken with passenger and crew safety as the priority. It is monitoring developments and coordinating with the relevant authorities.

Affected passengers are being notified using the contact details provided when they booked their tickets. IndiGo has advised travellers to check their flight status on its official website before leaving for the airport.

Akasa Air has also extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah until October 27. Air India and Air India Express have announced cancellations on Saudi Arabian routes as well, with the MEA reporting suspensions through October 24 in its latest statement.

Passengers should check the latest advisory issued by their individual airline, as cancellation periods differ by carrier and destination. An airport being operational does not necessarily mean that a particular airline's services have resumed.

Indian government coordinates return of stranded pilgrims

The MEA said approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India from Saudi Arabia over the preceding week using available flights. More than 10,000 other pilgrims who had booked scheduled flights also returned during the same period.

Arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of the remaining affected pilgrims at the earliest, the ministry said. Indian diplomatic missions are working with airlines and tour operators to identify available travel options and assist those whose journeys have been disrupted.

The embassy and consulate are also receiving support from community volunteers to provide welfare assistance to Indian nationals facing difficulties.

The government has established 24-hour control rooms in Riyadh and Jeddah to respond to requests for assistance. Regular advisories are being issued to keep Indian nationals informed about the situation and relevant safety measures.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has also called for urgent intervention, urging the government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to facilitate additional flights and allow airlines to use larger aircraft where possible to accommodate stranded passengers. He also raised concerns about the support being provided by travel agents to pilgrims whose return journeys have been disrupted.

Saudi Airports remain operational, but flight disruptions continue

Despite the attacks, airports in Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam remain operational, according to information shared by the MEA. However, the continued suspension of services by Indian airlines means passengers may still face significant difficulties finding suitable flights home.

Alternative travel options may be available through other carriers, including Saudia and Flynas, which continue to operate selected services between Saudi Arabia and India. Availability will depend on the route, travel date, airline schedule and prevailing security conditions. Passengers should confirm their bookings directly with the carrier before making alternative arrangements.

For affected travellers, the distinction between an operational airport and an operating flight is important. Even if an airport has resumed normal activity, individual airlines may continue to suspend services while assessing security risks and coordinating with aviation authorities.

Passengers should therefore avoid relying on general airport updates alone. They should verify their specific flight status, confirm any revised departure time and check whether their ticket has been cancelled, rescheduled or made eligible for a refund.

What passengers should do if their flights are cancelled

Indian nationals whose travel plans have been disrupted should remain in contact with their airline and travel agent. Passengers who booked through a travel agency should contact the agency directly for assistance with rebooking, refunds and accommodation arrangements.

Airlines may offer refunds or rescheduling options depending on the carrier's policy and the terms applicable to the booking. Travellers should confirm the available options directly with the airline rather than assuming that the same conditions apply across all carriers.

Those already in Saudi Arabia should follow instructions issued by local authorities and Indian diplomatic missions. They should avoid travelling to the airport without confirming their flight status and should continue to monitor official travel advisories.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have asked Indian nationals to exercise caution and avoid photographing, filming or sharing information relating to ongoing security incidents.

Emergency Contact Details for Indian Nationals

The MEA has shared the following 24-hour control room contacts for Indians requiring assistance in Saudi Arabia.

Embassy of India, Riyadh

• Telephone: +966-554412016

• Telephone: +966-542126784

• Toll-free number within Saudi Arabia: 8002471234

• WhatsApp messages only: +966-536216082

Consulate General of India, Jeddah

• Telephone: +966-12-2614093

• Telephone: +966-556122301

• WhatsApp messages only: +966-536209704

Passengers should use these official channels if they need consular assistance or are facing difficulties while stranded in the kingdom.

Challenge for airlines, travel operators and passengers

The disruption highlights how quickly security incidents can affect international air travel, even when airports remain open. Airlines must assess operational risks, coordinate with authorities and make decisions about individual routes, while passengers may need to change travel plans at short notice.

For religious travellers, the impact can extend beyond a missed flight. Many Umrah journeys are arranged through tour operators with pre-booked accommodation, ground transport and fixed return schedules. When flights are cancelled, these arrangements may also need to be extended or changed, creating additional costs and uncertainty for passengers.

The immediate priority remains the safe return of stranded pilgrims and the provision of clear information about available travel options. Coordination among airlines, travel agents, aviation authorities and the MEA will be important in ensuring that affected passengers receive timely assistance.

For now, travellers planning to return from Saudi Arabia should check directly with their airline before heading to the airport, keep their booking details accessible and follow the latest advisories from Indian diplomatic missions. With cancellation deadlines varying by airline and destination, official updates remain the most reliable guide to when services may resume.