The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has opened round-the-clock control rooms as cancellations disrupt travel between India and Saudi Arabia. If your Umrah trip is coming up, check your flight before you pack. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has asked pilgrims travelling in the next few days to factor in disruptions on routes through Jeddah and Madinah. It also wants you to confirm your flight status with the airline before heading to the airport.
Why Are Flights Disrupted?
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was shut after an attack on 10 October, and the Indian Embassy said it was still closed to flights in its 18 October update. Airports in Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam are operating, though disruption continues.
In that update, the consulate said Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo had suspended Saudi services until 24 October. Akasa Air has suspended its flight till 27 October.. Air India says affected passengers get a full refund, while Air India Express passengers can choose free rescheduling or a refund.
Where To Get Help
The consulate runs a 24-hour control room in Jeddah and has added a second one at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office in Makkah.
Jeddah Control Room: +966 12 2614093 or +966 556122301
Toll-free in Saudi Arabia: 800-244-0003
WhatsApp: +966 536209704
If you’re in Riyadh, the embassy’s control room is on +966 11 4884697 or +966 11 4884698. The embassy also asks Indian nationals in the Kingdom to avoid filming or sharing footage of ongoing events.
Keep your airline, travel agent, tour operator and Umrah service provider in the loop too. The consulate has asked agents and operators to arrange alternative flights so pilgrims can return home as soon as possible.
Other Ways To Fly Back
The consulate points to Saudia, which flies from Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam to India. Flynas connects Dammam with Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow, while Flyadeal flies Dammam to Mumbai. All depend on schedules and seat availability.
You can also connect through the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, as long as you meet the visa and entry rules of the country you’re passing through.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia: Umrah Pilgrims Can Now Monitor Crowd Levels Live At The Grand Mosque In Mecca
Plan For A Longer Stay
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has advised anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, to allow for delays and a possible extended stay. Dates can shift at short notice, so recheck your airline’s page right before you leave for the airport.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/AFZALKHAN M from Getty Images
FAQs
Are flights between India and Saudi Arabia cancelled?
Many are. In its 18 October update, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah said Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo had suspended Saudi services until 24 October, and Akasa Air until 27 October. Other airlines still operate some routes, so check with your carrier before leaving for the airport.
Who can Umrah pilgrims contact for help?
The consulate runs a 24-hour control room in Jeddah on +966 12 2614093 or +966 556122301, with a toll-free line (800-244-0003) inside Saudi Arabia. A second 24x7 desk operates at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office in Makkah.
