The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has taken a significant step to assist Indian nationals who are currently facing difficulties due to flight disruptions in Saudi Arabia. This initiative is primarily aimed at supporting Umrah pilgrims who have traveled to the holy city of Mecca and are now encountering challenges with their travel schedules. To provide immediate and effective assistance, an additional control room has been established in Mecca, ensuring that Indian citizens have a dedicated point of contact for their grievances and requirements.
Establishment of Mecca Control Room
The new control room has been set up at the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO) located in Mecca, while this facility is designed to act as a bridge between the affected passengers and the authorities, helping to resolve issues related to flight cancellations, delays, and other travel-related disruptions. The Consulate General of India has emphasized that this additional setup is intended to streamline the support process for those who are already in Mecca for their religious pilgrimage.
Helpline Number for Mecca Control Room
To ensure that help is just a phone call away, the consulate has released a specific helpline number for the Mecca control room, while indian citizens requiring assistance due to flight disruptions can contact the authorities at +966 553646966. This number is dedicated to handling queries and providing necessary aid to those stranded or facing logistical hurdles. On top of that, the consulate has shared the location of the Mecca control room on Google Maps, making it easier for individuals to reach the office physically if required.
Continued Operations in Jeddah
While the Mecca control room is a new addition, the existing 24/7 control room in Jeddah remains fully operational. The consulate has confirmed that the round-the-clock services and helpline facilities in Jeddah will continue to function as usual. Indian nationals in need of help can choose to contact either the new Mecca control room or the established Jeddah facility, depending on their location and convenience. This dual-layered support system is expected to provide comprehensive coverage for all affected Indians in the region.
Haj 2026 Review and Haj 2027 Preparations
The announcement of the control room comes at a time when the Indian government is also focusing on the long-term planning of pilgrimage activities. Recently, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju chaired a high-level Haj review meeting in New Delhi. During this meeting, the minister reviewed the operations of Haj 2026 and expressed satisfaction with its successful execution. 75 lakh Indian pilgrims successfully completed their annual Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia during the 2026 season.
Announcement of Haj Policy 2027
Following the review of the previous year, Minister Kiren Rijiju directed all stakeholders to begin preparations for the next year's pilgrimage on a priority basis, while the Ministry of Minority Affairs has officially announced the Haj Policy 2027. Prospective pilgrims who wish to undertake the journey in 2027 can now begin the application process. in. Also, the government has promoted the use of the Haj Suvidha App to facilitate a smoother application and information-sharing process for the pilgrims.
High Alert in Mecca and Surrounding Areas
The situation in Saudi Arabia has also been influenced by recent weather and safety alerts. Following the issuance of a National Early Warning by Saudi authorities, Mecca and several other parts of the country have been placed on high alert. This alert has contributed to the overall logistical challenges, including the disruptions in flight operations that necessitated the establishment of the new control room. The Indian Consulate continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and well-being of all Indian citizens in the affected areas.