Umrah pilgrims travelling between India and Saudi Arabia are facing widespread flight disruptions this week after several airlines suspended routes to key Saudi cities. Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air have cancelled flights to Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah, citing security concerns in the wider region. Indian diplomatic missions have activated round-the-clock support and arranged return flights for thousands of stranded pilgrims, according to statements issued on October 24 and 25.
Which Flights Are Affected
Airlines have published staggered suspension dates that pilgrims should check carefully before travelling. According to a report published by India.com on October 25, Air India and Air India Express suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam until November 7, and to Jeddah until October 31. IndiGo cancelled services to all four cities, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah, until October 31. Akasa Air suspended Riyadh flights until November 30 and Jeddah flights until November 10.
Air India confirmed the move in a statement posted on X. The carrier said flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam "will remain suspended until 7 November 2026," referring to "the prevailing situation in the region." The airline added that passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24 may choose flexible rebooking or a full refund.
The suspensions follow a security incident at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on the evening of October 21. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation reported that two people were killed and eight injured, with investigations and damage assessments ongoing. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh, citing Saudi authorities, said one Indian national was among those killed and two were injured.
Thousands of Pilgrims Returned Home
Indian authorities have worked with airlines and tour operators to bring stranded pilgrims back. The Ministry of External Affairs said about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims returned to India over the past week, while more than 10,000 pilgrims on regularly scheduled flights also flew home during the same period.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said arrangements were being discussed "to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest." He said the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to manage the backlog. Some pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir were among those reported stranded while awaiting onward flights.
Support Available to Stranded Pilgrims
Indian missions in Saudi Arabia have set up 24x7 control rooms and are issuing regular advisories. The Consulate General in Jeddah said its control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah provide food, medicine and other assistance, and that it is working with Saudi authorities on early returns, visa validity and delayed departures.
Pilgrims needing help can contact the Indian Embassy in Riyadh at +966-554412016 or +966-542126784, with WhatsApp messages accepted at +966-536216082. The Consulate in Jeddah can be reached at +966-12-2614093 or +966-556122301, with WhatsApp at +966-536209704. A toll-free number inside Saudi Arabia, 8002471234, is also available.
Saudi Arabia has its own support channel for affected visitors. The Pilgrim Care Centre advises stranded Umrah pilgrims who need accommodation or other help to call 1966 to register a request and receive a case reference number.
Practical Advice for Pilgrims
Pilgrims with upcoming Umrah travel should take several steps before heading to the airport. First, confirm flight status directly with the airline, because suspension dates differ by carrier and by city. Second, keep booking references and passports accessible, and note the embassy and consulate helpline numbers above.
Those already in Saudi Arabia should register with the Indian mission or the Saudi Pilgrim Care Centre if they are stranded, rather than waiting at the airport. Pilgrims holding Air India tickets issued on or before October 24 should review the rebooking and refund options the airline has offered. Finally, travellers should monitor official advisories from Indian missions and from Saudi authorities, and avoid acting on unverified messages circulating on social media.