4,000 Indian Pilgrims Stranded in Makkah & Madina as Airlines Cancel Flights
Around 4,000 Indian pilgrims are stranded in the holy cities of Makkah and Madina in Saudi Arabia after their return flights were cancelled amid heightened regional tensions. The pilgrims had travelled to the Kingdom on IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India, but are now unable to return home after the airlines suspended services to several Saudi cities.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Owaisi said the pilgrims had flown to Saudi Arabia via the three Indian carriers but were left stranded after the airlines cancelled flights. He called on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to either permit the airlines to operate larger aircraft or to arrange specified flights to bring the pilgrims back to India.
Owaisi also alleged that many of the stranded pilgrims were from economically weaker backgrounds and had been “abandoned by their travel agents,” unable to afford fresh tickets on alternative airlines such as Saudia or Flynas. He tagged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in his post, seeking urgent intervention.
4,000 pilgrims from India are stuck in Makkah & Madina.They had flown via
@IndiGo6E @AkasaAir @airindia but are now stuck there since these Airlines have cancelled their flights.
@DGCAIndia must give these airline’s permission to run flights in larger aircraft’s so that these stranded pilgrims can return to India if not at least specified flights must be arranged to bring them back.— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi)
October 22, 2026
Tweet from Asaduddin Owaisi urging immediate action to bring back stranded pilgrims.
The flight cancellations come amid heightened regional tensions, with Houthi attacks targeting airport infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh faced disruptions, prompting Indian carriers to extend suspensions. Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo suspended services until October 24, while Akasa Air extended its suspension until October 27.
Responding to the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are “actively engaging with concerned airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected pilgrims”[reference:5]. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that over the past week, approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have travelled back to India on available flights, in addition to more than 10,000 regular Umrah pilgrims who returned on scheduled services.
The government has also established 24×7 control rooms at the Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to assist Indian nationals. Contact details have been shared for pilgrims and families seeking assistance.
“Arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest,” Jaiswal said, adding that the embassy and consulate, with support from community volunteers, are extending all possible welfare assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian pilgrims are stranded in Makkah and Madina?
Around 4,000 Indian pilgrims are stranded in the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, according to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. The MEA has confirmed that approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have already returned to India over the past week.
Why were flights cancelled?
Indian carriers IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India cancelled flights to Saudi Arabia following heightened regional tensions and Houthi attacks on Saudi airport infrastructure, including airports in Dammam and Riyadh.
What is Asaduddin Owaisi demanding?
Owaisi has urged the DGCA to permit airlines to operate larger aircraft to bring the pilgrims home, or alternatively, to arrange special flights for their return. He also sought intervention from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other Union Ministers.
What is the government doing to help stranded pilgrims?
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are coordinating with airlines and tour operators. 24×7 control rooms have been set up, and around 3,000 stranded pilgrims have already returned on available flights.
