4,000 Indian Pilgrims Stranded in Makkah and Madina After Flight Cancellations

October 22, 2026

New Delhi: Nearly 4,000 Indian pilgrims are reportedly stranded in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Their return home has been hampered by the cancellation of Indian airline flights. Meanwhile, AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has appealed to the central government to immediately intervene in the matter and ensure the safe return of the pilgrims.

According to Owaisi, these pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia via IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India. However, their return is facing difficulties due to the flight cancellations.

Appeal for special flights

Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to allow airlines to operate larger aircraft to expedite the repatriation of stranded passengers to India. He also suggested operating special flights if necessary.

Owaisi expressed concern over the plight of affected pilgrims and appealed for immediate assistance. He also alleged that some travel agents have abandoned them without adequate support.

Flight disruptions add to difficulties

Air services between India and Saudi Arabia have been reported to be disrupted amid the current security situation in West Asia. Some Indian airlines have canceled or suspended flights to Saudi Arabia, impacting passengers’ return plans.

As a result, pilgrims are facing uncertainty regarding their travel and return dates. Affected passengers have been advised to contact the respective airlines and travel agents for updated flight information.

Demand for immediate action for the return of pilgrims

This incident comes at a time when flight-related problems in Saudi Arabia are impacting the return of Indian citizens. According to reports, the Ministry of External Affairs had stated that approximately 3,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia have returned to India in the past week.

Owaisi has demanded from the Central Government to solve the problems of the remaining pilgrims on priority basis and make necessary arrangements for their safe return soon.