Dubai, October 15: India has established an additional control room in Makkah to assist Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, affected by disruptions to flight services between India and Saudi Arabia, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah said.
The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following reported drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, which have affected air travel.
The consulate said the new facility has been set up at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO) in Makkah. Its existing 24-hour control room in Jeddah will continue to provide assistance to affected passengers.
On Tuesday, the consulate had advised Indian nationals travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah, especially Umrah pilgrims, to remain in regular contact with their airlines and verify flight status before leaving for the airport.
Passengers have also been urged to coordinate with travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers regarding cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation, wherever necessary.
Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the Makkah control room at +966 553646966, the consulate said in a post on X.
The consulate added that it was in regular contact with airlines and local authorities to facilitate assistance for affected Indian nationals. Updates on flight operations will be shared through its official social media channels.
The existing Jeddah control room can be reached at +966 12 2614093 and +966 556122301. Assistance is also available through WhatsApp at +966 536209704 and email at [email protected].
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Wednesday advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow instructions issued by local authorities, remain indoors in the event of an aerial attack and avoid circulating videos or news related to ongoing developments.
According to the embassy, flight operations remained suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while services from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah continued with some disruptions.
Indian carriers Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17. Saudi airlines Saudia and Flynas, however, continue to operate some scheduled services, the embassy said.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike the annual Haj pilgrimage. The latest travel advisories are aimed at helping Indian pilgrims and other nationals navigate disruptions and access assistance during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
