India sets up Makkah control room to assist Umrah pilgrims amid Saudi flight disruptions

India's diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia have stepped up swift on-ground support for Indian nationals and Umrah pilgrims facing travel uncertainty across the region. An additional control room is now operational at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office in Makkah, reinforcing the existing round-the-clock setup at the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.

The proactive move ensures immediate assistance with accommodation, travel rescheduling, and safety updates for thousands of pilgrims performing Umrah in the holy city. Indian diplomatic teams remain in constant touch with local civil aviation authorities, airlines, and service providers to ensure seamless support.

Status of flight operations and carrier suspensions

Flight schedules across the region experienced severe adjustments following drone and missile strikes launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels against civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. While flights at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh faced full suspension, operations at Dammam, Jeddah, and Madinah continued with minor disruptions.

Comprehensive advisories for Indian citizens

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised all Indian nationals residing in or visiting Saudi Arabia to adhere closely to instructions from local security authorities, stay indoors during any aerial alerts, and rely solely on official communications.

Pilgrims and stranded passengers travelling through Jeddah or Madinah have been advised to verify their flight status with airlines or registered tour operators before heading to airport terminals. Indian diplomatic channels on social media continue to broadcast real-time operational updates to keep citizens informed.