SRINAGAR: India has established an additional control room in Makkah to help Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, affected by flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah said.
The new facility has been set up at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO) in Makkah, while the consulate’s existing 24-hour assistance centre in Jeddah will continue to operate, it said on Wednesday.
Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the Makkah control room on 966 553646966, the consulate said in a post on X.
The consulate has advised passengers travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah to remain in contact with their airlines and verify flight status before leaving for airports. Travellers have also been urged to coordinate with travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers over cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation.
The consulate said it was coordinating with airlines and local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals and would issue updates on flight operations through its official social media channels.
For assistance through the Jeddah control room, Indian nationals can call 966 12 2614093 or 966 556122301. WhatsApp assistance is available on 966 536209704, while queries can also be sent to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following deadly drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia attributed to Yemen-based Houthi rebels.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Wednesday urged Indian nationals 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 events.
Flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remained suspended, while services from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah continued with some disruptions, the embassy said.
Indian carriers Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17. Saudi carriers Saudia and Flynas continue to operate some scheduled services, according to the embassy.
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can undertake at any time of the year, unlike the annual Haj pilgrimage.
