Four thousand Indian pilgrims stuck in Saudi after airport attacks

Four thousand Indian Haj and Umrah pilgrims are stranded in Makkah and Madina after attacks on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh led airlines to cancel flights. The pilgrims had travelled on IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India when the carriers halted services. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi highlighted the situation on X, urging the DGCA to allow larger aircraft or dedicated flights for their return. The Ministry of External Affairs said it is in touch with tour operators and the airlines to arrange an early repatriation. The Indian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah are actively coordinating with the concerned airlines and tour operators. Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have been flown back on available seats, and more than 10,000 regular Umrah pilgrims have returned on scheduled flights. The MEA also announced the setting up of control rooms across Saudi Arabia to assist Indian citizens. Authorities are working to secure additional slots and larger planes to bring the remaining pilgrims home as soon as possible.

Context

The attacks on the two major Saudi airports disrupted many international flights, a situation that often triggers government liaison with airlines to organise special charters for stranded travelers.