Thousands of Indian Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Amid Missile Attacks
Thousands of Indian Umrah pilgrims are stranded in Saudi Arabia following Houthi missile attacks on airports and major flight cancellations.
Thousands of Indian Umrah pilgrims are currently stranded in Saudi Arabia as escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure have triggered widespread flight cancellations. The security situation has severely impacted major transit hubs, including King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, leaving many travelers in a state of uncertainty.
Massive Flight Cancellations Disrupt Travel
Major airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa, have suspended several key routes due to the volatility. According to reports, Air India and Air India Express have extended flight cancellations for Riyadh and Dammam until November 7, 2026, while cancellations for Jeddah are set to continue until October 31.
While the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that approximately 3,000 Umrah pilgrims and 10,000 regular pilgrims have successfully returned to India, a significant number remain stuck. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has reported that roughly 4,000 pilgrims remain in Makkah and Madina.
Pilgrims Facing Severe Hardships
The stranded population includes a large contingent from various Indian states, facing dwindling savings and limited access to essentials. Significant numbers include:
- Telangana: Between 1,500 and 1,800 pilgrims reported being stranded.
- Karnataka: Over 600 pilgrims, specifically from Bengaluru, Belagavi, and Hubballi, are facing difficulties.
- Kashmir: A group of 36 pilgrims has been stranded for 11 days after their IndiGo flight was cancelled on October 13. While 14 people managed to fly back via Dubai at their own expense, the remaining members—including women and the elderly—are struggling with shortages of food and medicine.
One pilgrim, Afshad, highlighted the deteriorating living conditions, noting that many have been moved to inadequate housing following prolonged flight delays. Some families have already reported spending upwards of ₹30,000 in additional costs for accommodation and emergency travel.
Security Escalation and Casualties
The regional security environment has turned deadly. A Hyderabad-based IT professional, Mohammed Yousuf Ali, was killed at Riyadh airport on October 10 during a previous Houthi strike. In response to the rising threat, India has condemned these attacks at the United Nations and advised its citizens to seek shelter during security alerts.
Emergency Assistance and Alternative Routes
The Consulate General in Jeddah has established 24x7 control rooms in both Jeddah and Makkah to provide essential food and medical aid to those in need. For those requiring immediate assistance, the following contact details have been made available:
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: 1966
- Embassy Helplines (Riyadh): +966-554412016, +966-542126784
- Toll-free number: 8002471234
- WhatsApp: +966-536216082
For those seeking urgent travel, authorities suggest considering alternative exit routes through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar. Meanwhile, Air India has announced that it will provide full refunds and complimentary rebookings for all flights scheduled on or before October 24.