Flight disruptions leave Andhra Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia; 40 to fly back to Hyderabad on October 26

Passengers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad, Hyderabad. A special flight carrying 40 Umrah pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh is scheduled to land in Hyderabad from Jeddah on Monday. File

The Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) is monitoring the well-being of 253 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh stranded in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions triggered by regional security concerns, even as a special flight carrying 40 pilgrims from Vijayawada-based New Royal Tours and Travels is scheduled to depart from Jeddah at 10.50 p.m. IST on Sunday (October 25, 2026) and arrive in Hyderabad at 7 a.m. on Monday.

According to APNRTS inputs, around 3,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, of whom about 1,500 are from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Of these, an estimated 400 to 500 are from Andhra Pradesh, though a district-wise breakdown is not immediately available.

“APNRTS members are in continuous communication with the 253 Andhra Pradesh pilgrims identified so far, monitoring their safety and well-being and coordinating efforts to facilitate their return,” APNRTS president Vemuru Ravi Kumar said. He said the Telugu Society was in discussions with airlines to arrange a charter flight from Dammam to Hyderabad, with fare negotiations in progress.

Speaking to The Hindu, Sk. Mohammed Hussain of Mangalagiri said his parents and a few relatives, who had left for the pilgrimage on October 6, were stranded following the outbreak of trouble in the region. He said the news that they were being taken care of came as a huge relief to him.

Mohammed Salman, managing director of New Royal Tours and Travels, said a special flight was being operated from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 10.50 p.m. Indian time on Sunday. It was scheduled to land in Hyderabad at 7 a.m. on Monday. “All our 40 passengers are being brought back safely,” Mr. Salman told The Hindu.

APNRTS had contacted the travel agency after Mr. Hussain reported that his parents were among those stranded. The agency had informed the organisation that arrangements were being made to bring the group back to India on a special flight.

The situation follows the suspension and cancellation of flights amid escalating regional security concerns. According to APNRTS, an estimated 17,000 Indians had travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, with the majority having already returned. But several thousand Indians continue to face difficulties in returning home.

The Ministry of External Affairs, through the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah, is coordinating assistance for affected pilgrims, including liaison with airlines and tour operators. Consular support and accommodation assistance are also being provided to those awaiting their return.

BJP Andhra Pradesh Minority Morcha president Syed Basha has written to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, seeking urgent intervention to facilitate the evacuation of stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims. In his letter to the Union Minister, he sought coordination with the Civil Aviation Ministry for emergency or chartered flights, continued assistance through support desks in Makkah and Jeddah, and relief from fines for pilgrims facing visa overstays due to circumstances beyond their control.

With several pilgrims facing prolonged uncertainty and the possibility of exhausting their personal funds, APNRTS and travel operators are continuing efforts to facilitate their safe return.