New Delhi/Riyadh, October 23, 2026: Around 4,000 Indian pilgrims remain stranded in Saudi Arabia after repeated flight cancellations disrupted their return from Makkah and Madinah, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to step in and coordinate with airlines, tour operators and Indian missions in the kingdom.
The disruption follows a series of attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports, which have affected normal flight schedules and created significant travel uncertainty.
Around 4,000 Pilgrims Still Stranded
According to the latest reports, approximately 4,000 Indian pilgrims are still waiting to return home after their scheduled flights were cancelled.
Most of those affected are in Makkah and Madinah and had travelled to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage.
MEA Says It Is Working on Early Return
The Ministry of External Affairs has said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are working closely with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of the stranded Indians.
The government has also activated control rooms to assist Indian nationals affected by the disruptions.
Flight Cancellations Follow Airport Attacks
Air travel across Saudi Arabia has faced major disruptions following attacks on infrastructure, including King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The security situation has forced airlines to cancel or reschedule flights, affecting thousands of travellers.
Indian National Killed in Saudi Attack
The wider security crisis has also affected Indian nationals directly.
An Indian citizen was among those killed in an attack on Dammam airport, while several other Indians were injured in separate incidents involving Saudi infrastructure.
Owaisi Seeks Special Flights
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to arrange special flights for the stranded pilgrims.
He has also asked authorities to allow airlines to deploy larger aircraft where necessary so more passengers can be accommodated.
Indian Missions Coordinate With Tour Operators
Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia are in regular contact with tour operators responsible for the pilgrims.
Authorities are working to match stranded passengers with available flights as normal services gradually resume.
Thousands Have Already Returned
The situation has improved for many travellers despite the remaining backlog.
Reports indicate that thousands of pilgrims have already been brought back to India through regular or rearranged flights, while efforts continue for those still waiting.
Airlines Face Continuing Operational Disruptions
Indian carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India have previously cancelled or adjusted Saudi Arabia services because of the evolving security environment.
Passengers have been advised to verify flight status before travelling to airports because schedules can change at short notice.
Embassy Issues Assistance Channels
The MEA has provided control-room and embassy contact details to help Indians requiring emergency assistance, travel support or information about flights.
Officials have advised pilgrims to remain in contact with their respective tour operators and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
Situation Remains Fluid
While authorities are working to restore normal travel, the security and aviation situation in the region remains fluid.
Additional delays cannot be ruled out if airport operations or airspace are affected by further incidents.
Government Focuses on Safe Return
The immediate priority for Indian authorities is to ensure that the stranded pilgrims return safely and as quickly as possible.
With around 4,000 people still awaiting flights, coordination between the MEA, airlines, Saudi authorities and tour operators is expected to continue until the backlog is cleared.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, The Indian Express, India Today, Gulf News
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