The Indian government is working to facilitate the early return of affected Indian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia following a security incident at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

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According to the MEA, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are actively coordinating with airlines and tour operators to help affected pilgrims return home as soon as possible.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the update in a post on X, assuring that Indian diplomatic missions are engaging with the relevant organisations to support those impacted by the situation.

The announcement follows an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam that reportedly left one Indian national dead and two others injured. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and travel arrangements of Indian nationals in the region.

The Indian government’s response focuses on coordinating travel arrangements and assisting affected pilgrims through diplomatic channels. Cooperation with airlines and tour operators is expected to play an important role in arranging their return journeys.

Saudi Arabia is a major destination for Indian Muslims undertaking religious pilgrimages, including Umrah. Travel disruptions or security incidents can affect pilgrims’ schedules, accommodation and return bookings, making timely assistance from diplomatic missions particularly important.

The MEA’s statement indicates that Indian officials are maintaining contact with relevant service providers to address the situation. However, the supplied announcement did not specify the number of pilgrims affected or provide a confirmed timeline for their return.

Indian nationals and their families are advised to follow official updates from the MEA and Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia for further information on travel arrangements and assistance.

The government’s immediate priority is to help affected pilgrims return safely while coordinating with the airlines and tour operators involved.