Makkah Control Room established for Indian Umrah pilgrims amid Saudi flight disruptions

India has set up a control room in Makkah to help Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, affected by flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region.

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah 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 operate to assist affected passengers.

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


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The consulate has advised Indian nationals travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah, particularly Umrah pilgrims, to remain in regular contact with their airlines and check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Travellers have also been advised to contact their travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers for information on flight cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation, where necessary.

The consulate said it was in 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.

Jeddah control room helplines for Indians

Indian nationals can also contact the consulate's 24-hour control room in Jeddah through the following channels:

Telephone: +966 12 2614093 and +966 556122301

WhatsApp: +966 536209704

Email: pbskcgi@gmail.com

The additional facility in Makkah is intended to provide support to Indian pilgrims and other nationals dealing with travel disruptions in Saudi Arabia.

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Embassy issues safety advisory for Indians

On Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow instructions issued by local authorities, remain indoors in the event of an aerial attack and avoid circulating videos or news related to ongoing events. The advisory comes amid heightened regional tensions following reported drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, attributed to Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

According to information shared by the embassy on Wednesday, flight operations remained suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while services from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah continued with some disruptions.

Indian carriers Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo had suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17, according to the embassy. Saudi carriers Saudia and Flynas continued to operate some scheduled services. Indian nationals planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or return to India are additionally advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport.