Around 4,000 Indian pilgrims remain stranded in Makkah and Madina after flight cancellations. Asaduddin Owaisi has sought special flights as Indian missions coordinate their return.
He urged the DGCA to permit airlines to deploy larger aircraft to accommodate stranded passengers. (File Photo: ITG)
Around 4,000 Indian pilgrims are stranded in the holy cities of Makkah and Madina in Saudi Arabia following flight cancellations amid heightened regional tensions.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the government and the aviation regulator to arrange additional flights to facilitate their return to India.
In a post on X, Owaisi said the pilgrims had travelled to Saudi Arabia on IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India but were unable to return after the airlines cancelled services.
He urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to permit airlines to deploy larger aircraft to accommodate stranded passengers or arrange special flights if regular services could not resume.
“The Indian pilgrims have been abandoned by their travel agents,” Owaisi said, calling for urgent government intervention and assistance for those affected.
MEA SAYS 3,000 STRANDED PILGRIMS HAVE RETURNED
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India from Saudi Arabia over the past week on available flights. More than 10,000 other pilgrims had also travelled back during the same period on their scheduled services.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of those still stranded.
“Arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest,” Jaiswal said.
He added that Indian missions, supported by community volunteers, were providing welfare assistance to affected nationals. Round-the-clock control rooms have also been established to address queries and provide support, while regular advisories are being issued.
INDIGO, AKASA AIR EXTEND FLIGHT SUSPENSIONS
The disruption follows the suspension of flights between India and several Saudi Arabian cities amid escalating regional tensions and security concerns following attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madina until October 24. Akasa Air has extended its suspension of services to Riyadh until the same date. Air India and Air India Express have also announced cancellations on key Saudi routes.
The cancellations have disrupted passengers' return plans, with Umrah pilgrims facing particular difficulties because their accommodation and travel arrangements are often organised through tour operators with fixed itineraries.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have advised affected passengers to remain in contact with their airlines and travel providers as efforts continue to facilitate their return. Depending on the airline and booking conditions, passengers may be eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
HELPLINE NUMBERS FOR STRANDED INDIANS
Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the Embassy of India in Riyadh or the Consulate General of India in Jeddah through their designated helplines.
Embassy of India, Riyadh
- Phone: +966-5544 12016 or +966-5421 26784
- Toll-free number within Saudi Arabia: 800247 1234
- WhatsApp: +966-53621 6082
Consulate General of India, Jeddah
- Phone: +966-12-261 4093 or +966-5561 22301
- WhatsApp: +966-53620 9704
The Indian missions have urged affected nationals to follow official advisories and coordinate with their airlines and travel operators while arrangements for their return are being discussed.
- Ends
With PTI inputs