Indian Umrah pilgrims and expatriates continue to face travel uncertainty amid ongoing flight disruptions involving Saudi Arabia, as Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of services to Riyadh and Dammam until November 7.

The airlines will also keep flights to and from Jeddah suspended until October 31. IndiGo and Akasa Air have separately extended the suspension of services to several Saudi Arabian cities amid escalating regional tensions and attacks on airport infrastructure.

While thousands of Indian Umrah pilgrims have faced difficulties returning home, the disruption has also affected expatriates travelling between India and Saudi Arabia for work, holidays and family commitments. Some have had to postpone their journeys, rearrange bookings or consider alternative routes.

A report by Onmanorama on October 22 documented the difficulties faced by Kerala expatriates, including workers unable to travel as planned and those worried about returning to Saudi Arabia in time to resume their jobs. Repeated cancellations and rising costs on alternative routes have added to their difficulties.

The disruption may also affect people travelling to Saudi Arabia for employment. However, the extent to which job aspirants have been affected has not been quantified in the reports reviewed.

Pilgrims continue to face uncertainty

On October 23, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India over the preceding week on available flights. More than 10,000 other pilgrims who had booked regular services had also returned during the same period.

However, arrangements were still being discussed to facilitate the return of the remaining stranded pilgrims. Indian diplomatic missions were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to assist affected passengers.

Nearly 600 Umrah pilgrims from Karnataka were also reported stranded in Saudi Arabia. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar sought the Centre’s intervention to facilitate their return, citing difficulties faced by pilgrims who were running short of money and facing problems with food and accommodation.

A newspaper reported on October 22 that pilgrims from Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Kasaragod had been taking longer and more expensive routes home. Some travelled by road to Doha before boarding flights to India, while others explored alternative departure points such as Bengaluru, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kochi.

Airlines extend suspensions

In a post on X, Air India said its flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam would remain suspended until November 7, while services connecting Jeddah would remain suspended until October 31.

Passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before October 24 can opt for flexible rebooking or a full refund upon cancellation, the airline said.

IndiGo has extended the cancellation of flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 31. Its services connecting Riyadh have also been suspended until October 31.

Akasa Air has extended the suspension of flights to and from Riyadh until November 30 and Jeddah until November 10.

Alternative travel options

The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah said its round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah were continuing to assist affected Indian nationals. Assistance includes food, essential medicines and other immediate requirements, wherever feasible.

The consulate has also been coordinating with airlines and tour operators to explore alternative travel arrangements. Such options depend on seat availability, applicable fares and airline requirements.

The continuing suspensions have created uncertainty for pilgrims awaiting their return journeys and expatriates trying to travel between India and Saudi Arabia. Passengers have been advised to remain in contact with their airlines and travel agents and verify their flight status before proceeding to the airport.