Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
India has opened an additional control room in Makkah to help its nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, affected by flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah said.
The disruptions come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following deadly drone and missile attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Several Indian airlines have suspended flights to and from the country until October 17, while some Saudi carriers continue to operate scheduled services.
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The consulate said on Wednesday that the new control room had been set up at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office in Makkah. Its existing 24-hour control room in Jeddah will continue to operate.
Indian nationals seeking assistance can contact the Makkah control room at +966 553646966, the consulate said in a post on X.
On Tuesday, the consulate advised Indian nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims travelling to and from Jeddah and Madinah, to remain in regular contact with their airlines and check their flight status before leaving for airports.
Umrah is an Islamic religious ritual that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike the annual Haj pilgrimage. Pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah in Makkah, the holiest city in Islam.
Passengers were also advised to contact travel agents, tour operators and Umrah service providers for information about cancellations, rescheduling, alternative travel arrangements and accommodation, wherever required.
The consulate said it was in regular contact with airlines and local authorities to help affected Indian nationals. Updates on flight operations will be shared through its official social media channels.
The 24-hour control room in Jeddah can be contacted at +966 12 2614093 and +966 556122301. Assistance is also available through WhatsApp at +966 536209704 and by email at pbskcgi@gmail.com.
On Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow the instructions of local authorities, remain indoors in the event of an aerial attack and avoid circulating videos or news related to the ongoing events.
The embassy said flight operations remained suspended at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Flights from Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah continued with some disruptions.
Indian carriers Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17. Saudi carriers Saudia and Flynas continue to operate some scheduled services, according to the embassy.
Indian authorities have asked affected passengers to check flight updates before travelling and use the control rooms in Makkah and Jeddah if they need assistance.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
