Indian Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia After Houthi Attacks Disrupt Flights

Flight disruptions after Houthi attacks

Since early November, a series of missile and drone strikes launched by Yemen's Houthi movement have targeted commercial air routes over the Red Sea. The attacks have forced airlines to reroute or cancel flights that connect the Middle East with South Asia, Europe and Africa.

Background on Houthi attacks on aviation

The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for several strikes on civilian aircraft and cargo planes. Their stated aim is to pressure nations that support the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. International aviation authorities have issued warnings that airspace between Yemen and Saudi Arabia is unsafe for regular traffic.

Impact on Saudi Arabian airspace

Saudi Arabia responded by temporarily closing its southern air corridors. Major carriers such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Emirates and Air India suspended services to and from Jeddah and Medina. The closures coincided with the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage, a period when millions of Muslims travel to the holy cities.

Scale of stranded Indian pilgrims

India's Ministry of External Affairs reported that more than 7,000 Indian pilgrims were unable to board their scheduled flights from Saudi Arabia to India. Most of the travelers were in Jeddah, the main gateway for Hajj, while a smaller group was in Riyadh awaiting connections.

Numbers and locations

• Approximately 5,200 pilgrims were in Jeddah International Airport.
• About 1,800 pilgrims were in Riyadh King Khalid International Airport.
• Another 300 were in smaller regional airports awaiting onward travel.

Conditions at airports

Airport authorities set up temporary shelters with seating, water and basic medical assistance. Local volunteers handed out food parcels and information leaflets in Hindi, English and Arabic. Pilgrims described the situation as stressful but praised the hospitality of Saudi staff.

Indian government response

The Indian government activated its emergency protocol for citizens abroad. The Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, began a round‑the‑clock effort to locate, register and assist the affected travelers.

Diplomatic channels and consular assistance

Officials held urgent meetings with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to explore options for repatriation. A senior diplomat said, "We are in constant contact with Saudi authorities and are exploring every possible avenue to bring our pilgrims home safely."

Coordination with Saudi authorities

Saudi officials confirmed that they were allocating additional ground staff to process visa extensions and to facilitate charter flights. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj released a statement that it would "provide all necessary support to ensure the safety and well‑being of pilgrims from all countries." Saudi Ministry of Hajj

Travel options and repatriation plans

Several pathways are being pursued to return the pilgrims to India.

Charter flights and alternate routes

Air India announced the launch of two charter flights from Jeddah to New Delhi, scheduled for later this week. In addition, the airline is negotiating with third‑party carriers to secure seats on flights departing from other Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Muscat.

Visa extensions and accommodation support

Saudi authorities granted a temporary visa extension of up to 30 days for all stranded pilgrims. The extension allows travelers to remain in the country legally while they await a seat on a repatriation flight.

• Free accommodation in designated hotels near the airports.
• Daily meals provided by the Saudi Red Crescent Society.
• Medical check‑ups for elderly and vulnerable travelers.

Safety concerns and broader implications

The disruption highlights the vulnerability of large‑scale religious travel to regional conflicts. Pilgrims traveling for Hajj and Umrah rely on a tightly scheduled network of flights, and any interruption can have cascading effects.

Risks to pilgrims during Hajj season

Security experts warn that the concentration of millions of people in a limited area creates a target for hostile actors. The Houthi attacks underscore the need for robust contingency plans.

International response and security measures

Following the recent incidents, the International Civil Aviation Organization issued a safety advisory urging airlines to review flight paths over the Red Sea. Reuters report notes that several European carriers have already adjusted their schedules.

Countries with large pilgrim contingents, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, have also issued travel advisories and are working with Saudi officials to secure alternative routes.

Practical steps for stranded pilgrims

1. Register with the nearest Indian consulate or embassy. Registration helps officials track the number of affected travelers.
2. Stay informed through official channels such as the Ministry of External Affairs website and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj portal.
3. Keep travel documents, including passports and visas, readily accessible.
4. Follow health and safety guidelines issued by local authorities, especially regarding COVID‑19 protocols.
5. Remain patient and cooperate with airport staff and volunteers who are managing the situation.

While the situation remains fluid, the combined efforts of Indian diplomatic teams, Saudi authorities and airline operators are expected to resolve the crisis within the next few days. Pilgrims are urged to stay calm, stay connected and follow official instructions.