Umrah pilgrims fly home safe after Dammam airport strike

New Delhi, Oct 23: Stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims have begun returning home safely following a recent security incident in Saudi Arabia, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced on Friday.

Reassuring the public, the minister emphasized that the Union government remains proactive in addressing the welfare and safety concerns of Indian citizens abroad.

According to official figures, over 3,000 stranded pilgrims and more than 10,000 regular Umrah travelers have arrived in India over the past week on available commercial flights.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that diplomatic missions are actively coordinating with airlines, local tour operators, and community volunteers to assist the remaining pilgrims and facilitate their quick return.

The repatriation effort follows a violent attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday evening.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported that two individuals lost their lives in the incident, including an Indian resident and a Saudi national.

Eight others sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical, among whom are two Indian nationals currently receiving treatment at local hospitals alongside victims from Yemen, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

To manage the situation, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have established 24×7 control rooms and issued regular travel advisories to guide affected nationals.

Officials from both missions are providing on-ground welfare support and continuous updates to ensure the well-being of the Indian diaspora.

Saudi authorities stated that airport operations and air traffic have now fully resumed.

Local civil aviation agencies are conducting damage assessments and reviewing security measures to safeguard facilities, passengers, and staff across the country’s aviation network.