Riyadh/New Delhi, October 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah are coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected Umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
An Indian national was among two people killed, while two other Indian nationals were injured, in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday.
The MEA said approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India over the past week on available flights. This was in addition to more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims who had travelled back on their scheduled flights during the same period.
“Arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest. Our Embassy and Consulate, with the support from community volunteers, are extending all possible welfare assistance. 24×7 Control Rooms have been established to help Indian nationals and regular advisories are being issued,” the ministry said in a statement.
Earlier on Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said it was gathering further information about the attack and contacting the affected families.
“Saudi authorities have informed that one Indian national was among two people who unfortunately lost their lives in the attack on Dammam airport yesterday night and two Indian nationals were injured. We are ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased and we wish speedy recovery of the injured,” the Embassy said in a post on X.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that two people were killed in the attack: one Indian resident and one Saudi citizen. It said eight people were injured, including one Saudi citizen, two Indian nationals, two Yemenis, two Bangladeshis and one Nepalese national. Their injuries ranged from minor to critical, and they were receiving medical treatment at several hospitals.
In a statement posted on X, the GACA said it was coordinating with the relevant authorities to assess the damage, verify the safety of airport facilities and take necessary measures to protect passengers and personnel and maintain the security of the country’s civil aviation system.
The authority also confirmed that airport operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal.
Separately, India on Thursday strongly condemned continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21.
“We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21. These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries,” the MEA said.
India reiterated that attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure were unacceptable and must stop immediately. It also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and voiced hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest.
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