Last Updated on October 23, 2026 12:25 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter
External Affairs Ministry has said that Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are actively engaging with concerned airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry said in a statement that over the past week, about three thousand stranded Umrah pilgrims have travelled from Saudi Arabia back to India on available flights. This is in addition to more than ten thousand normal Umrah pilgrims who were booked on the available flights and have travelled back to India over the past week. Arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest.
The Indian Embassy and Consulate, with the support from community volunteers are extending all possible welfare assistance. 24×7 Control Rooms have been established to help Indian nationals and regular advisories are being issued.
The contact details of the 24X7 Control Rooms at Embassy of India in Riyadh are +966-554412016; +966-542126784. The toll free number for calls within Saudi Arabia is 8002471234 and the whatsapp number for messages only is +966-536216082. The contact details of the 24X7 Control Rooms at Consulate General in Jeddah are +966-12-2614093 and +966-556122301. The Whatsapp number for messages only is +966-536209704.
Airports at Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam remain operational, although some flight disruptions continue. Indian carriers have extended the suspension of their services to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have suspended their services till 24th October. Akasa Air has suspended its flights until 27 th of this month.
However, alternative flight options remain available through other airlines, including Saudia and Flynas. Meanwhile, Indian nationals have been advised to verify flight arrangements before travelling, follow the guidance of local Saudi authorities and continue to observe the safety precautions outlined in the advisories issued by the Embassy of India in Riyadh. They have been advised to refrain from photographing, filming or sharing information relating to ongoing security incidents.