Indian nationals planning Umrah in Saudi Arabia have been urged to check flight status repeatedly and stay in close contact with airlines, travel agents and Umrah operators as cancellations continue to affect travel between India and the kingdom. The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah says round-the-clock control rooms are operating in Jeddah and Makkah to help pilgrims and other Indian travellers caught up in the disruptions.
The advisory comes amid an unstable regional security situation that has affected airport operations and flight schedules. Travellers should not assume that a booking confirmation means a flight will operate as planned: airline suspensions vary by carrier and destination, and departure dates can change at short notice.
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Saudi flight cancellations vary by airline
As of the latest advisories published on 15 October, IndiGo had cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah through 24 October 2026, inclusive. The airline said it was notifying affected passengers using the contact details attached to their bookings. Customers who booked through a travel agent or other intermediary should contact that provider directly for assistance.
Air India had announced cancellations to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah through 17 October. Akasa Air extended its suspension of Riyadh flights through 24 October and Jeddah flights through 21 October. These dates are airline-specific and can be revised; passengers need to check the status of their own flight rather than relying on a general update about Saudi services.
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Refunds, rebooking and the risk of extended stays
Akasa Air said passengers affected by its cancellations could choose a full refund to the original payment method, expected within seven days, or reschedule without additional charges. Air India had also offered full refunds to affected customers. The exact process depends on the airline, ticket type and booking channel, so passengers should obtain confirmation in writing before making new arrangements.
The disruption can be especially difficult for pilgrims travelling in family groups or through organised Umrah packages. A cancelled return flight may mean extra hotel nights, transport changes, prescription refills and coordination with group leaders. Travellers should ask their operator who is responsible for revised accommodation and transfers, and keep receipts for any unavoidable additional expenses.
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24-hour help for Indian nationals
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah says its teams in Jeddah and Makkah are assisting affected nationals, coordinating with airlines and local authorities, and helping where essential medicines or other urgent support are needed. Its 24-hour control-room numbers are +966 12 2614093 and +966 556122301. Travellers should use official consular channels for assistance and avoid posting passport, visa or booking details publicly on social media.
When contacting the control room, keep key details ready: the traveller’s full name, passport and visa information, airline and flight number, scheduled travel date, booking reference, current location, Saudi service provider and Indian travel agent. Groups should also nominate one coordinator who can provide the number of affected people and a reliable callback number.
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Riyadh airport remains a key uncertainty
Indian government reporting said flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remained suspended, while services at Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah continued with disruptions. The closure followed attacks on Riyadh airport claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement, and an aviation notice had kept the airport closed through 17 October. That date should not be treated as a guaranteed reopening time; passengers need a fresh airline confirmation before leaving for the airport.
The Indian Embassy has also urged nationals to follow local-authority instructions and stay indoors in the event of an aerial attack. It warned that filming or circulating images of missile or drone interceptions and impact sites could expose people to legal liability under local rules. Pilgrims should prioritise official safety directions and avoid travelling to an airport unless their airline confirms the flight and terminal arrangements.
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What pilgrims should do before travelling
Anyone due to depart from India or return from Saudi Arabia in the coming days should check the airline’s official flight-status page and messages, reconfirm with the travel agent and Umrah operator, and verify hotel and ground-transfer plans. Keep essential medicines, copies of travel documents, charging equipment and emergency contact details accessible in hand luggage, and allow for the possibility of an extended stay.
Some Indian officials have said travellers who urgently need to leave Saudi Arabia may consider flights from neighbouring countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, but passengers must independently meet those countries’ entry and visa requirements. Such alternatives should not be treated as automatic replacements for a cancelled ticket. Confirm all legs, border-entry rules and onward connections before setting out.
The central advice remains simple: check again before every journey, keep official travel and consular contacts close, and do not rely on old schedules during a fast-changing security situation. The latest information from the airline and Indian consular authorities should guide any decision to travel.
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