Indian embassy engages airlines for early return of stranded pilgrims from Saudi Arabia
· India · The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Rediff
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are actively engaging with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected pilgrims. Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned to India on available flights, in addition to more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims who have already travelled back. This outreach follows an attack on Dammam's King Fahd International Airport on October 22, 2026, in which one Indian national died and two others were injured. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi had previously urged the Centre to arrange special flights using larger aircraft to bring the approximately 4,000 stranded pilgrims in Makkah and Madina home.
Why it matters
Stranded Umrah pilgrims and their families are directly affected by flight suspensions and security risks, while airlines and tour operators face operational pressure to facilitate repatriation under government coordination.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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