Hyderabad, Oct 22 (Maxim News): AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the Centre to provide immediate assistance to around 4,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims reportedly stranded in Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia, amid flight disruptions linked to regional security tensions.
Asad owaisi has called on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and senior Union government officials to facilitate their safe and early return to India.
Indian #umrapilgrims are currently stranded in #SaudiArabia after flight cancellations by @IndiGo6E, @AkasaAir & @airindia
#asaduddinowaisi urge @DGCAIndia & @MoCA_GoI to urgently permit wide-body/larger aircraft or arrange special relief flights to bring citizens home safely https://t.co/xbulel4G3R
— indtoday (@ind2day) October 22, 2026
The reported crisis has added to the difficulties faced by Indian nationals undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage, as flight cancellations and limited alternative services have disrupted return journeys.
Asaduddin Owaisi Urges DGCA to Arrange Special Flights for Stranded Umrah Pilgrims
Owaisi has appealed to the DGCA to explore options for deploying larger aircraft and arranging special flights to bring stranded Indian pilgrims home.
He has also sought urgent intervention from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to ensure diplomatic coordination and material assistance.
The appeal comes amid continuing disruptions to India-Saudi Arabia air travel following heightened security concerns in the region. Reports published in October indicate that Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air have suspended or cancelled services on several Saudi routes, although the duration of the restrictions varies by airline and destination.
The situation follows the October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which prompted heightened security concerns and widespread changes to airline schedules.
While Riyadh airport operations have been disrupted, other Saudi airports, including those at Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam, have continued operating, although flight schedules have also been affected.
Pilgrims Face Higher Ticket Prices and Travel Uncertainty
According to the concerns raised by Owaisi, the availability of alternative flights has not necessarily translated into affordable travel for stranded pilgrims. Ticket prices have reportedly risen, making it difficult for some passengers to purchase replacement tickets at short notice.
The reported abandonment of pilgrims by some travel agents has also raised questions about the support available to passengers whose original travel arrangements have collapsed.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has been assisting affected Indian nationals and advising travellers to remain in contact with airlines, travel agents and Umrah service providers. The consulate has also urged passengers to keep their passport and visa details, booking references and travel-agent contact information ready when seeking assistance.
Owaisi’s appeal seeks a coordinated response involving aviation authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and other relevant government agencies. The immediate priority is to help affected pilgrims secure safe, affordable and reliable return arrangements.
The reported figure of around 4,000 stranded pilgrims and the allegations concerning travel agents should be confirmed through official statements before publication. The latest status of any proposed special flights or evacuation arrangements also remains to be verified. (Maxim News)
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