India Opens Additional Makkah Control Room as Saudi Flight Disruptions Hit Umrah Pilgrims
India has opened an additional control room in Makkah to assist its citizens, particularly Umrah pilgrims, affected by flight disruptions between the Indian subcontinent and Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah announced on Wednesday that the new assistance desk had been established at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office in Makkah. Its existing 24-hour control room in Jeddah will continue to operate.
Citizens seeking assistance can contact the Makkah control room at +966 553646966, the consulate said in a post on X.
The disruptions come amid heightened regional tensions following drone and missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. Several Indian airlines have suspended services to Saudi Arabia until October 17, while some Saudi carriers continue to operate scheduled flights.
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Travellers Urged to Check Flight Status
The consulate has advised passengers, particularly those travelling to or departing from Jeddah and Madinah, to stay in touch with their airlines and verify flight schedules before leaving for the airport.
Travellers have also been urged to contact their travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers for updates on cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation.
The consulate said it was coordinating with airlines and regional authorities to assist affected Indian citizens and would continue issuing updates through its official digital channels.
The Jeddah control room can be reached round the clock at +966 12 2614093 and +966 556122301. WhatsApp assistance is available at +966 536209704, while travellers can also email pbskcgi@gmail.com.
Airlines Suspend Services
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has separately advised Indian nationals across Saudi Arabia to follow instructions issued by local authorities, remain indoors during aerial bombardments and avoid sharing footage or media related to ongoing developments.
The embassy said services remained suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah were facing partial disruptions.
Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended operations to Saudi Arabia until October 17, according to embassy statements. Saudi carriers Saudia and Flynas continue to operate limited scheduled services.
Officials have urged affected passengers to check the latest flight information before travelling and contact the dedicated assistance centres in Makkah and Jeddah for urgent support.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place annually during specific dates.
With inputs from ANI