New Delhi, October 22 (H.S.): The Ministry of External Affairs has said that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah are actively coordinating with the concerned airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of pilgrims affected by flight disruptions caused by attacks by Houthi rebels.

According to the Ministry, approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims returned to India from Saudi Arabia on available flights over the past week. In addition, more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims have also returned to India using available flight services. Arrangements are being discussed to ensure the early return of the remaining pilgrims.

Earlier, AIMIM leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi claimed in a social media post that around 4,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims were stranded in Mecca and Medina after IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India cancelled their return flights. He urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to permit the operation of larger aircraft or arrange special flights. He also highlighted instances of travel agents cancelling flights.

Tensions in the Middle East have been escalating, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia, disrupting flight operations in the region. Indian airlines have suspended flights to major Saudi cities until October 24, citing security concerns.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry said that the Indian Embassy and Consulate General, with the support of community volunteers, were providing all possible assistance to ensure the welfare of Indian nationals. It added that 24-hour control rooms had been established to assist Indian citizens and that advisories were being issued regularly.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah are operating round-the-clock control rooms to address the concerns of Indian nationals.

The contact details are as follows:

Indian Embassy, Riyadh

Telephone: +966-554412016; +966-542126784

Toll-free number: 8002471234 (calls only from within Saudi Arabia)

WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (messages only)

Consulate General of India, Jeddah

Telephone: +966-12-2614093; +966-556122301

WhatsApp: +966-536209704 (messages only)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar