India opens additional Mecca control room as Saudi flight disruptions hit umrah pilgrims
Kaaba, Mecca.(Image coutesy: Wikimedia Commons)
New Delhi: India has established an additional control room in Mecca to assist umrah pilgrims and other Indian nationals affected by flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia. The facility, located at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office, supplements the existing round the clock control room in Jeddah as missile and drone attacks disrupt air travel across the kingdom.
The consulate general of India in Jeddah announced the facility on Wednesday, providing +966 553646966 as its dedicated helpline. The announcement follows an earlier advisory for Indian umrah pilgrims issued by the consulate on October 13, urging passengers travelling through Jeddah and Madinah to verify flight schedules before leaving for airports. Travellers were also advised to coordinate with airlines, tour operators and umrah service providers regarding cancellations, alternative arrangements and accommodation.
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims can undertake throughout the year, unlike hajj, which takes place on prescribed dates annually.
The disruptions follow repeated missile and drone attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure. As RNA Media reported earlier, an Indian national injured in the October 10 attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport subsequently died, while renewed strikes forced the airport’s closure and disrupted international flights.
The Indian embassy in Riyadh said on Wednesday that operations at King Khalid International Airport remained suspended, while flights from Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam continued with disruptions. Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo had suspended services until October 17 under their earlier advisories.
However, airlines subsequently extended some cancellations. IndiGo’s Saudi services were reportedly cancelled until October 24, while Akasa Air announced on Thursday evening that its Riyadh flights would remain suspended until October 24 and Jeddah services until October 21.
Not all flights have stopped. Saudia continued scheduled operations from Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam, while Flynas maintained its Dammam-Lucknow service, according to the embassy’s Wednesday update.
Indian consulate issues helpline details, advisory
The additional Mecca control room can be contacted at +966 553646966. Indian nationals can also reach the Jeddah control room on +966 12 2614093 and +966 556122301, send WhatsApp messages to +966 536209704 or email pbskcgi@gmail.com.
The Indian embassy in Riyadh separately advised nationals to follow local authorities’ instructions and remain indoors during aerial attacks. It said two Indians injured in the October 10 Riyadh airport attack remained in intensive care as of October 14, while others were receiving treatment or had been discharged.
The embassy also said Saudi authorities would not impose overstay fines on Indians holding visit, tourist, umrah or business visas who were unable to depart because flights were unavailable. Those whose visas had expired were advised to leave once services resumed.
The Jeddah consulate said it was coordinating with airlines and local authorities to assist affected travellers and would issue further updates through official channels.
