Indian airline IndiGo has extended the cancellation of its flights to Saudi Arabia amid security concerns in the region, while the Indian government is coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of stranded Umrah pilgrims.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said on Friday that IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh would remain cancelled until October 31, inclusive, while services to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah would remain suspended until October 27.
The disruptions follow attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian and energy infrastructure. An attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21 killed an Indian national and injured two others. Another Indian national was injured in a separate attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield the same day.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India strongly condemned the attacks and called for them to cease immediately. It expressed condolences to the family of the Indian national killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest,” the MEA said.
Other Indian carriers have also suspended services to Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights on all routes until October 24, while Akasa Air has suspended flights until October 27.
The flight disruptions have affected Indian Umrah pilgrims, prompting the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to coordinate with airlines and tour operators to arrange their early return.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India over the previous seven days, along with more than 10,000 other pilgrims who had travelled on available flights.
“Arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest,” Jaiswal said, adding that the diplomatic missions were providing assistance in collaboration with community volunteers.
The embassy and consulate have also established 24-hour control rooms in Riyadh and Jeddah and are issuing regular advisories to keep Indian nationals informed about the security situation.
The Indian mission has urged Indians in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities and move to a safe place inside a building in the event of an aerial attack. It has also warned against filming or sharing images and videos of interceptions or impact sites, citing possible legal consequences under Saudi law.
The embassy had earlier advised Indian nationals requiring urgent departure to consider transiting through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas.
Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals working across various sectors.
(With agency inputs from ANI and PTI)