4,000 Indian pilgrims stranded in Makkah, Madina as flights cancelled

Around 4,000 Indian pilgrims are reported to be stranded in the Saudi holy cities of Makkah and Madina after flight cancellations by several carriers.

The situation involves travelers who had flown to Saudi Arabia with IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India and were unable to return as their flights were cancelled amid regional security concerns.

The issue has prompted expressed calls for action from AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who urged the government and DGCA to arrange additional flights or allow larger aircraft to accommodate stranded passengers.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said about 3,000 Umrah pilgrims had returned to India over the past week on available flights, with more than 10,000 others traveling back on scheduled services during the same period. The embassies and consulates in Riyadh and Jeddah are coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate early returns and provide welfare assistance.

Flight suspensions affect several Saudi routes, with IndiGo canceling services to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madina until October 24, and Akasa Air extending its suspension to Riyadh to the same date; Air India and Air India Express have also announced cancellations on key routes.

Affected passengers have been advised to stay in contact with airlines and travel providers as efforts continue to arrange their return, with refunds or rescheduling options being offered depending on carrier and booking conditions. Contact details for Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are provided for assistance.