Full Breakdown
Indian Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks: Government Coordination and Calls for Action
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
Escalating attacks by Yemeni Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia in late October 2026 damaged major airports, including Riyadh and Dammam, and disrupted international flight connections. The attacks also targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, prompting regional security concerns.
Core Event – Pilgrims’ Stranding and Return Efforts
On October 22, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to bring back Indian Haj and Umrah pilgrims stranded after the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which killed one Indian national and injured two others. Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims travelled back to India on available flights, in addition to more than 10,000 regular pilgrims who returned on scheduled services.
Timeline
- October 21, 2026: Houthi attacks hit King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field.
- October 22, 2026: MEA issued its coordination statement; 3,000 stranded pilgrims returned.
- October 24, 2026: Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo suspended flights until this date.
- October 27, 2026: Akasa Air suspended services until this date.
Data & Statistics
- ? 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims returned on ad-hoc flights (MEA, Oct 22, 2026).
- > 10,000 regular Umrah pilgrims travelled back on scheduled flights during the same week.
- 4,000 pilgrims reported as still stuck in Makkah and Madina (AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi).
- Flight suspensions affect IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express (until Oct 24) and Akasa Air (until Oct 27).
Official Statements & Responses
The MEA condemned the attacks as “completely unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with the Saudi government. It detailed the establishment of 24-hour control rooms in Riyadh and Jeddah, providing telephone and WhatsApp contacts for Indian nationals. The ministry emphasized ongoing engagement with airlines, tour operators, and community volunteers to arrange additional flights and welfare assistance for affected pilgrims.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are actively engaging with concerned airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected pilgrims. Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have travelled from Saudi Arabia back to India on available flights,” — MEA spokesperson
- “Four thousand pilgrims from India are stuck in Makkah and Madina. They flew via IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India but are now stuck there since these airlines have cancelled their flights,” — Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM president
What’s Next
The MEA indicated that “arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest,” suggesting further flight allocations and coordination with alternative carriers such as Saudia and Flynas. No specific future dates beyond the scheduled suspensions were provided.