India has opened an additional control room in Makkah to help Indian nationals affected by flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on Umrah pilgrims facing uncertainty over their travel plans. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah announced the initiative as authorities work to provide assistance, coordinate travel arrangements and keep affected passengers informed.
The new control room has been established at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO) in Makkah. It will operate alongside the consulate’s existing 24-hour control room in Jeddah, expanding the support available to Indian nationals who may be experiencing cancellations, delays or difficulties arranging their return journeys.
The travel disruptions come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following deadly drone and missile attacks attributed to Yemen-based Houthi rebels that targeted civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, according to the report. The developing security situation has added to concerns surrounding air travel and the safety of passengers travelling through the region.
On Tuesday, the Indian Consulate had advised Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah, to maintain regular contact with their airlines and verify their flight status before leaving for the airport. The advisory is intended to help passengers avoid unnecessary journeys and respond promptly to last-minute changes in flight schedules.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can undertake at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, and unexpected travel disruptions can create significant challenges for individuals, families and organised pilgrimage groups.
To make assistance more accessible, the consulate has shared a dedicated contact number for the new Makkah control room. Indian nationals requiring help can call +966 553646966. Travellers have also been encouraged to stay in contact with their travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers to discuss flight cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation where necessary.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has said it remains in regular communication with airlines and local authorities to coordinate assistance for affected nationals. Updates on flight operations and other relevant developments will be shared through its official social media channels.
For passengers who need additional support, the existing 24-hour control room in Jeddah remains operational. The consulate has provided the following contact details:
Jeddah control room helplines: +966 12 2614093 and +966 556122301
WhatsApp assistance: +966 536209704
Email: pbskcgi@gmail.com
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued separate safety advice for Indian nationals living in or visiting Saudi Arabia. The embassy urged them to follow instructions from local authorities, remain indoors if an aerial attack occurs and avoid circulating videos or news relating to ongoing security incidents.
Flight operations have also faced restrictions at several Saudi airports. According to the embassy’s Wednesday update, operations remained suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah continued with some disruptions.
Indian airlines Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo had suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17, according to the report. Saudi carriers Saudia and Flynas continued operating some scheduled services, although travellers were advised to confirm their individual flight arrangements directly with their airlines.
For Umrah pilgrims caught in the uncertainty, the opening of the additional control room offers another point of contact at a time when reliable information and practical support are especially important. Travellers should continue checking official advisories, confirming flight details before departure and keeping their travel documents and airline communications readily accessible. As the situation develops, timely updates and coordination between diplomatic officials, airlines and travel operators will be crucial in helping affected passengers make informed decisions and return home safely.
