India opens additional control room in Makkah to assist Umrah pilgrims amid flight disruptions

Dubai: India has established an additional control room in Makkah to assist its nationals, especially Umrah pilgrims, affected by flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah said.

The disruptions come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following a series of deadly drone and missile attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement on Wednesday, the consulate said the new facility has been established at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO) in Makkah. Its existing 24-hour control room in Jeddah will continue to provide assistance.

On Tuesday, the consulate had urged Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah, to stay in regular contact with their airlines and verify flight status before proceeding to airports.

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can undertake at any time of the year, unlike the annual Haj pilgrimage.

Indian nationals seeking assistance can contact the Makkah control room at +966 553646966, the consulate said in a post on X.

Passengers have also been advised to coordinate with travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers regarding flight cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel options and accommodation arrangements, if necessary.

The consulate said it was maintaining regular contact with airlines and local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals. Updates on flight operations will be shared through its official social media channels.

The consulate has also set up a 24-hour control room in Jeddah. Passengers can reach it at +966 12 2614093 or +966 556122301. Assistance is also available on WhatsApp at +966 536209704 and through email at pbskcgi@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Wednesday advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow instructions issued by local authorities, remain indoors in the event of an aerial attack and avoid sharing videos or news related to the ongoing developments.

Flight operations remained suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while services from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah continued with some disruptions, the embassy said.

According to the embassy, Indian carriers Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17. Saudi airlines Saudia and Flynas, however, continue to operate some scheduled services.