Saudi Flight Cancellations: 3,000 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Return

Thousands of Indian Umrah pilgrims have faced travel disruptions in Saudi Arabia following flight cancellations and security concerns in the region. In a significant development, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India over the preceding week using available flights.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are coordinating with airlines, tour operators and community volunteers to assist affected travellers. Authorities have also established 24-hour control rooms to help Indian nationals who need support.

Here is the latest reported update, along with important helpline numbers and advice for pilgrims whose return journeys have been affected.

1. Latest MEA Update on Indian Umrah Pilgrims

According to the MEA update reported on October 22–23, 2026, approximately 3,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims who had been stranded in Saudi Arabia travelled back to India over the previous week on available flights.

The ministry also reported that more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims with regular bookings had returned during the same period.

Indian diplomatic missions are continuing discussions with airlines and tour operators to arrange the early return of the remaining affected travellers. The government has said that welfare assistance is being provided through the embassy, consulate and local community networks.

2. Why Are Flights Being Cancelled?

Flight disruptions have been linked to the security situation in the Middle East, including reported attacks affecting Saudi infrastructure and concerns around airport operations.

These developments have affected travel plans for some passengers flying between India and Saudi Arabia. Changes to airline schedules can also create difficulties for pilgrims travelling through tour operators, particularly when accommodation and return tickets have been booked in advance.

Passengers should remember that the situation can change quickly. A previously cancelled flight may be rescheduled, while other services may face further changes depending on security assessments and airline decisions.

3. How Many Indian Pilgrims Are Still Stranded?

A report published on October 22 cited a statement by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi that around 4,000 Indian pilgrims were stranded in Makkah and Madinah following flight cancellations.

Separately, the MEA confirmed that approximately 3,000 stranded pilgrims had returned over the preceding week. These figures refer to different reported updates and should not be combined to calculate the current number of people still waiting to return.

The number of affected travellers may change as flights resume, passengers are rebooked and additional arrangements are made. Families should contact their airline or tour operator for individual booking updates.

4. Indian Embassy in Riyadh Helpline Numbers

The Embassy of India in Riyadh has established a 24-hour control room to assist Indian nationals requiring support in Saudi Arabia.

Reported contact details are:

• Telephone: +966-55-441-2016

• Telephone: +966-54-212-6784

• Toll-free number: 800-247-1234 — calls from within Saudi Arabia only

• WhatsApp: +966-53-621-6082 — messages only

Pilgrims should share essential travel details when contacting the embassy, including their name, passport information where appropriate, airline, booking reference, current location and the nature of the problem. Avoid posting passport details or other sensitive personal information publicly on social media.

5. Indian Consulate in Jeddah Contact Details

Indian nationals who need assistance can also contact the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.

Reported contact details are:

• Telephone: +966-12-261-4093

• Telephone: +966-55-612-2301

• WhatsApp: +966-53-620-9704 — messages only

These contacts were published in reports quoting the MEA's announcement. Travellers should verify the numbers against the latest official embassy or consulate advisories before relying on them.

6. What Should Stranded Umrah Pilgrims Do Now?

Pilgrims whose flights have been cancelled or changed should take the following steps:

Contact the airline: Check the latest status of the booking and ask about rebooking, refunds or alternative routes.

Speak to the tour operator: Travellers who booked a package should ask the operator for written confirmation of the revised itinerary, accommodation arrangements and any additional charges.

Keep documents accessible: Carry the passport, visa, ticket, booking confirmation and relevant contact details.

Contact Indian diplomatic officials if necessary: If the airline or travel operator cannot provide adequate assistance, contact the Indian Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate in Jeddah.

Follow official advisories: Avoid relying solely on unverified social media posts or messages forwarded through WhatsApp.

Pilgrims should not travel to another airport or cross into another country to catch a flight without confirming the route, entry requirements and ticket arrangements.

7. Will Airlines Provide Refunds or Alternative Flights?

Refunds, rebooking options and alternative flights depend on the airline's current policy, the reason for cancellation and the terms of the individual booking.

Passengers should contact the airline directly and request written confirmation of the available options. Those who booked through a travel agent or tour operator may need to contact that provider to process changes.

Before paying for a replacement ticket, check whether the original airline can rebook the passenger without an additional fare. Travellers should also confirm baggage rules, connecting-flight requirements and visa conditions before accepting an alternative route.

8. Is It Safe to Travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah?

Travel conditions can vary by location, airline and date. Flight cancellations do not automatically mean that all travel to Saudi Arabia has stopped, but passengers should assess the latest official advisories before departing.

People planning an upcoming Umrah trip should confirm their flights with the airline, check with their travel operator and review relevant government guidance. If a journey is not urgent, they may wish to discuss postponement options with their provider.

Pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia should follow instructions issued by local authorities and Indian diplomatic missions.

9. What Families in India Should Know

Families waiting for relatives to return should maintain contact with the traveller, airline and tour operator. They should avoid booking separate replacement tickets until the status of the original reservation is clear.

Keep copies of the booking confirmation and any cancellation messages. If the traveller needs urgent assistance, use the official diplomatic contact channels rather than relying on unverified intermediaries.

Family members should also be cautious about anyone demanding money in exchange for a supposedly guaranteed emergency flight. Confirm any payment request directly with the airline or authorised travel provider.

10. What Happens Next?

The MEA has said Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are engaging with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of affected pilgrims. Arrangements for other travellers were still being discussed in the latest reported update.

The pace of returns will depend on available flights, airline operations and the evolving security situation. Travellers should monitor their individual bookings because general announcements may not reflect the status of every flight.

Final Thoughts

The return of around 3,000 stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims is an important development, but travel disruption remains a concern for those still waiting in Saudi Arabia. The Indian government, diplomatic missions, airlines and tour operators are coordinating to assist affected travellers.

Pilgrims should stay in contact with their airlines and tour operators, keep travel documents ready and use the official embassy and consulate contact channels when assistance is needed. Since flight schedules and emergency arrangements can change, confirm the latest information before making travel decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Indian Umrah pilgrims have returned from Saudi Arabia?

The MEA reported that around 3,000 stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims returned to India over the preceding week, in addition to more than 10,000 regular Umrah pilgrims who travelled on their booked flights.

2. Why are flights from Saudi Arabia being cancelled?

Reported disruptions have been linked to security concerns in the Middle East and incidents affecting Saudi infrastructure. The status of individual flights depends on the airline's latest operational decisions.

3. How can stranded Indian pilgrims contact the Indian Embassy in Riyadh?

Reported numbers include +966-55-441-2016 and +966-54-212-6784. The toll-free number 800-247-1234 is for calls made within Saudi Arabia. Verify details through official embassy advisories.

4. What is the Indian Consulate in Jeddah's WhatsApp number?

The reported WhatsApp number is +966-53-620-9704, for messages only. Confirm the current contact details through the consulate's official channels.

5. Will stranded pilgrims receive free replacement tickets?

This depends on the airline, booking conditions and applicable cancellation policy. Passengers should contact their airline or tour operator to confirm refund, rebooking and alternative-flight options.

6. Should pilgrims cancel upcoming Umrah trips?

Not automatically. Travellers should check official travel advisories and confirm their flight status with the airline and tour operator before deciding whether to travel, postpone or cancel.

7. Where can families get the latest information?

Families should follow official updates from India's Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy of India in Riyadh, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and the airline operating the booking.