{
  "id": 14671268,
  "title": "India Sets Up Additional Control Room In Makkah To Help Umrah Pilgrims Amid Saudi Arabia Flight Disruptions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/india-sets-up-additional-control-room-in-makkah-to-help-umrah",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T10:13:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/india-sets-up-additional-control-room-in-makkah-to-help-umrah-pilgrims-amid-saudi-arabia-flight-disruptions"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India has established an extra control room in Makkah to aid Indian nationals, especially Umrah pilgrims, who are facing flight problems between India and Saudi Arabia, according to the Indian Consulate in Jeddah. Due to the ongoing interruptions in flights, Indian nationals, particularly those traveling to Jeddah and Madinah for Umrah, are advised to frequently verify their flight status with their airlines and maintain contact with their travel agents, per the consulate's advisory. The new control room has been set up at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO) in Makkah, while the ongoing 24-hour control room in Jeddah will continue its operations. Indian nationals seeking assistance can contact the Makkah control room using the phone number +966 553646966, as stated on the consulate's X post.\n\nThe flight disruptions are taking place amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf region following a series of lethal drone and missile strikes by Yemeni Houthi rebels against civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has cautioned Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia to adhere to the guidance provided by local authorities and remain indoors in the event of an aerial attack, as per a statement released on Wednesday.\n\nIn response to the attacks, Indian airlines have suspended their flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17. This includes services operated by Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and IndiGo. However, Saudi airlines Saudia and Flynas have continued to run some scheduled flights, as reported by the Indian Embassy. Indian nationals are advised to stay in regular contact with their airlines and monitor their travel arrangements due to the ongoing flight disruptions.",
  "summary": "New Delhi: India has established an additional control room in Makkah to assist Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, affected by flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah said. Important Advisory In view of the ongoing flight disruptions, Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims travelling through Jeddah and Madinah, are advised to regularly…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}