Umrah pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia are facing flight cancellations and schedule changes, prompting several governments to issue advisories in October 2026. India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia have each urged pilgrims and travel operators to prepare for possible disruptions on routes to the Kingdom. The guidance follows a wave of flight suspensions affecting major Saudi airports.

The situation has remained fluid through late October. Airlines have adjusted schedules at short notice, and diplomatic missions have opened support channels for stranded travelers. For pilgrims mid-journey or about to depart, the practical message has been clear: check flight status closely and keep in contact with official sources.

What Is Happening

Air links between India and Saudi Arabia have been among the most affected. According to Gulf News, Indian carrier IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah through October 24, 2026. Akasa Air suspended its Riyadh flights through October 24 and its Jeddah flights through October 21, the same report said. Both airlines stated that passenger and crew safety remained their priority.

India's News On Air, a government outlet, reported on October 25 that cancellations were ongoing and that New Delhi was coordinating with Saudi authorities to help affected nationals return early. The report linked the disruptions to escalating regional tensions, specifically a series of drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure attributed to Yemen's Houthi group.

Not every country has reported the same level of impact. Indonesia's deputy minister for Hajj affairs, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, said on October 26 that Umrah travel for Indonesian pilgrims remained uninterrupted despite the regional conflict, according to the Jakarta Globe.

How Governments Are Responding

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah set up a 24-hour control room for affected travelers, with operational control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah supported by community associations and volunteers. Gulf News reported that the mission advised pilgrims to check flight status regularly and to review uncertain travel plans to avoid cancellations or an unexpectedly extended stay.

The Indian mission also said it was in regular contact with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding visa validity and delayed departures, according to News On Air.

In Sri Lanka, the Hajj Mission under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs issued what it called an urgent warning to registered Umrah travel operators on October 16. Newswire reported that the directive told operators to take immediate precautions and referenced an earlier security advisory from the Sri Lankan Consulate in Jeddah dated October 13. The mission advised operators to ensure pilgrims understood the situation and to make contingency plans before departing.

What Pilgrims Should Know

The advisories share a common theme: pilgrims should not assume their flights will operate as scheduled. Disruptions have been announced and extended at short notice, so a flight confirmed one day may change the next.

Airlines have offered relief for affected passengers. Gulf News reported that Akasa Air passengers could request a full refund to their original payment method within seven days or reschedule without extra charges, while those who booked through agents were told to contact them directly. IndiGo said it was notifying affected passengers using the contact details from their bookings.

Pilgrims are also advised to protect their personal information. The Indian consulate asked travelers to share passport and booking details only through official channels, not in public social media comments.

Practical Tips for Affected Pilgrims

Pilgrims traveling for Umrah during this period can take several steps to reduce risk:

  • Check flight status daily. Monitor your airline's app and official channels, and confirm departure times before heading to the airport.
  • Keep documents ready. Have your passport number, visa number, airline booking reference, and the contact details of your Saudi service provider and home-country agent on hand.
  • Contact your embassy or consulate. If you are stranded or your departure is delayed, reach out to your country's mission in Saudi Arabia through official control rooms rather than informal groups.
  • Ask about refunds and rebooking. Clarify your airline's policy on cancellations, and if you booked through an agent, contact them directly for changes.
  • Watch visa validity. A delayed departure can affect your permitted stay. Stay in touch with your service provider and consulate about any extensions.
  • Plan for flexibility. Build buffer time into your itinerary and avoid tight connections where possible.

The disruptions are a reminder that regional conditions can affect pilgrimage travel at short notice. Pilgrims who stay informed, keep their documents in order, and rely on official channels are best placed to manage any changes to their journey.