34 Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims are stranded in Saudi Arabia after their scheduled return flight on October 13, 2026, was cancelled due to regional security concerns and wide flight suspensions. The pilgrims have appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for urgent administrative intervention.
- Flight Cancellation Schedule (per the Indian Embassy in Riyadh):
- IndiGo (Riyadh): Cancelled through October 31, 2026.
- IndiGo (Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah): Cancelled through October 27, 2026.
- Air India & Air India Express: Suspended services on Saudi routes through October 24, 2026.
- Akasa Air: Extended cancellations through October 27, 2026.
They have requested coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, and the Consulate General in Jeddah to help facilitate an early and safe return.
The prolonged stay has left the group under financial strain, with several pilgrims reportedly struggling to afford accommodation, food and medicines. They said their available funds were running low, leaving them uncertain about how to manage their expenses until their return.