India Opens Makkah Control Room As Saudi Flight Disruptions Hit Umrah Pilgrims

India has opened an additional control room in Makkah to assist Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, affected by flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah announced the move on October 14, while its existing 24-hour control room in Jeddah will continue to operate.

The new facility has been established at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO) in Makkah to help travellers facing cancellations, rescheduling and difficulties with accommodation and alternative travel arrangements. Indian nationals seeking assistance can contact the Makkah control room at +966 553646966.

The consulate has urged passengers to check flight status with their airlines before travelling to airports and remain in contact with travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers. These contacts can help with cancellations, rebooking and accommodation. The consulate is also coordinating with airlines and local authorities and will share updates through its official social media channels.

The disruption follows a sharp escalation in attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked on October 10, killing 13 people and injuring more than 300, according to Reuters. Authorities have kept the airport closed until October 17, while several airlines have cancelled or suspended services to Saudi Arabia.

Indian carriers Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Some Saudi airlines, including Saudia and Flynas, continue to operate scheduled services, although disruption remains.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has separately advised Indian nationals to remain calm, follow local authorities' instructions and stay indoors during an aerial attack. It has also urged people not to circulate videos or unverified news about the unfolding security situation.

The crisis has widened beyond aviation. On Wednesday, the Houthis vowed to continue attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities, describing them as legitimate targets in retaliation for Saudi military action in Yemen. A strike on the Saudi Aramco complex in Dhahran reportedly caused a fire that spread across several floors, although the Saudi energy ministry described the fire as limited.

The conflict has also worsened conditions in Yemen, where hospitals are struggling with rising casualties. The UN World Food Programme has warned that fighting has blocked humanitarian assistance from reaching more than 600,000 people in Taiz, including over 200,000 women and children.