Around 4,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims were reported stranded in Saudi Arabia following flight cancellations linked to regional security concerns. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate their return, while Indian diplomatic missions provide round-the-clock assistance.
Indian Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia Amid Flight Disruptions
The situation involving Indian pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia has raised concerns among families waiting for their relatives to return home. Flight cancellations affecting several routes have disrupted travel plans for Indian nationals visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for Umrah.
According to reports published on October 22, 2026, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said around 4,000 Indian pilgrims were stuck in the two cities after airlines suspended services amid heightened regional security concerns. He urged the central government and aviation authorities to facilitate their return, including by considering additional flights.
The Ministry of External Affairs subsequently confirmed that around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had travelled back to India over the preceding week using available flights. This was in addition to more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims who had returned on their previously booked services during the same period.
The government has said that efforts are continuing to arrange the return of those who remain affected. The latest figures should be treated as dated updates, rather than a confirmed count of everyone still stranded.
Why Are Indian Pilgrims Unable to Return Home?
The disruption follows a deteriorating regional security situation and attacks affecting Saudi infrastructure. Flights to and from several Saudi Arabian cities were suspended or cancelled, leaving some passengers unable to travel on their original tickets.
The situation became more serious following an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21. Saudi authorities reported casualties, including Indian nationals. India’s Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that one Indian national had died and two others had been injured in the incident, while officials were contacting affected families.
The disruption has affected travel arrangements for pilgrims who had booked return journeys through airlines and private Umrah tour operators. Some travellers have had to seek alternative flights, while others have faced uncertainty over accommodation, revised itineraries and additional expenses.
Families should not assume that all flights to Saudi Arabia have stopped or that every passenger faces the same situation. Airline operations and restrictions can change, so travellers need to check their particular flight and route before making further arrangements.
Government Response: What the MEA Has Confirmed
The Ministry of External Affairs has said that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah are working with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected pilgrims.
The government has also established round-the-clock control rooms to assist Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia. These facilities provide a channel for affected travellers and their families to seek guidance, report difficulties and obtain information about available assistance.
Community volunteers are also helping diplomatic missions provide welfare support on the ground. Officials have continued issuing advisories as the situation develops.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has separately urged the Centre to arrange special flights or allow airlines to deploy larger aircraft where permitted. His request reflects concerns about the number of people affected and the difficulties caused by cancelled services.
However, a proposal for additional flights should not be confused with a confirmed evacuation schedule. Families should rely on announcements from the MEA, Indian diplomatic missions and the relevant airlines for verified information about return arrangements.
Indian Embassy and Consulate Helpline Numbers
Families and pilgrims requiring assistance can contact the official Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia using the numbers shared by the MEA.
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
The toll-free number is intended for calls made from within Saudi Arabia. The WhatsApp contacts listed above are for messages, not voice calls.
When contacting officials, families should provide the traveller’s full name, passport details where appropriate, location, airline, booking reference and a reliable contact number. They should share sensitive personal documents only through verified official channels.
What Families Should Do If a Relative Is Stranded
Families in India can take several practical steps while waiting for updates. The first is to establish direct communication with the traveller and confirm their current location, accommodation arrangements and immediate needs.
Contact the airline or travel operator. Ask whether the original booking has been cancelled, whether a replacement flight is available and whether the ticket qualifies for rescheduling or a refund. Request written confirmation of any changes.
Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate. If the traveller cannot obtain clear information, faces a welfare concern or requires urgent assistance, contact the relevant diplomatic mission. Families should retain any reference numbers and records of communications.
Check accommodation and essential needs. Travellers should confirm how long their accommodation is available and whether they have access to food, medicines and necessary funds. Elderly passengers, children and people with medical needs may require additional support.
Avoid unverified travel offers. Do not transfer money to individuals claiming to guarantee emergency flights or priority evacuation without verifying their identity and authority. Use official airline channels and recognised travel providers.
Keep travel documents accessible. Travellers should retain their passports, visas, tickets, insurance details and booking confirmations. Copies can help when dealing with airlines, tour operators or consular officials.
What Stranded Pilgrims Should Know About Flights and Visas
A cancelled flight does not automatically mean that a passenger’s visa or permitted stay has been extended. Travellers whose return dates are approaching should ask their tour operator and the relevant Saudi authorities about their individual circumstances.
They should not assume that they can remain indefinitely or that an airline cancellation automatically resolves immigration requirements. If a permitted stay is at risk of expiring, the traveller or authorised representative should seek guidance promptly from the appropriate Saudi authorities and the Indian diplomatic mission.
Passengers should also avoid travelling to an airport without confirmation that their replacement flight is operating. Airline schedules may change at short notice during security disruptions. Travellers should check their booking status through the airline’s official website, app or customer service channel before leaving their accommodation.
The most important point is to follow official advisories and avoid relying solely on forwarded messages or unverified social media posts.
Key Takeaways
- Around 3,000 stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims returned to India over the week reported by the MEA, while efforts to assist others continued.
- Flight disruptions followed heightened regional security concerns and affected routes connecting India with Saudi Arabian cities.
- The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah have established 24-hour control rooms for assistance.
- Families should verify flight changes directly with airlines, keep travel documents accessible and seek official guidance on accommodation, welfare and visa concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Indian pilgrims are stranded in Saudi Arabia?
On October 22, 2026, Asaduddin Owaisi cited an estimate of around 4,000 Indian pilgrims stranded in Makkah and Madinah. The MEA separately reported that approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned over the preceding week. The number still awaiting travel may change.
2. Are these Haj pilgrims or Umrah pilgrims?
The current reports primarily concern Umrah pilgrims. Haj is the annual pilgrimage undertaken during specific Islamic dates, while Umrah can be performed at other times of the year. The two terms should not be used interchangeably in news reporting.
3. How can families contact Indian officials in Saudi Arabia?
Families can contact the Embassy of India in Riyadh at +966-554412016 or +966-542126784. The Consulate General in Jeddah can be reached at +966-12-2614093 or +966-556122301. The official WhatsApp messaging numbers are +966-536216082 for Riyadh and +966-536209704 for Jeddah.
4. Is the Indian government arranging special flights?
The MEA has confirmed coordination with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of affected pilgrims. Additional flight arrangements have also been requested by political representatives, but families should wait for official confirmation before relying on a proposed special flight.