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India-Saudi Arabia pilgrim travel disruptions

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2026-10-23 09:15 UTC → 2026-10-25 03:20 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Regional tensions in the Gulf, following drone and missile strikes by Yemen-based Houthi rebels against civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, have caused significant flight disruptions for Indian nationals. In response to initial travel chaos, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah established an additional control room in Makkah to assist Umrah pilgrims. This facility was intended to complement the existing 24-hour control room in Jeddah as travelers faced grounded services and cancellations. The situation escalated following an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21, which resulted in the deaths of one Indian national and one Saudi citizen, and left several others injured. Following the airport attack, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported that approximately 3,000 stranded pilgrims had begun returning to India via available flights, joining over 10,000 regular pilgrims who had already departed. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah continue to operate 24/7 control rooms to coordinate with airlines and provide welfare assistance through community volunteers. Major airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have suspended various services. Air India and Air India Express have extended cancellations for Riyadh and Dammam until November 7, while services to Jeddah remain suspended until October 31. IndiGo has cancelled flights to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until October 31. Indian state leaders, including the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir, have sought urgent central intervention. Reports indicate that some stranded pilgrims, including over 600 from Karnataka, are facing hardships such as exhausted financial resources and difficulties securing food and accommodation. There are also allegations that some private tour operators are charging pilgrims extra fees for basic necessities.

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