Around 600 Andhra Pradesh pilgrims are stranded in Saudi Arabia due to flight disruptions caused by Cyclone Arnab.
EditionININUSUKGCCEnglishEnglishहिन्दीमराठीಕನ್ನಡதமிழ்বাংলাമലയാളംతెలుగుગુજરાતીWeatherSign InTOIToday's ePaperLiveNewsCity Newsvijayawada NewsAround 600 AP pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptionsTrendingArunachal ProtestCyclone ArnabGuwahati ShootingKarnataka SIRKolkata AssaultAmritsar MurderArunachal ProtestCyclone ArnabGuwahati ShootingKarnataka SIRKolkata AssaultAmritsar MurderArunachal ProtestCyclone ArnabGuwahati ShootingKarnataka SIRKolkata AssaultAmritsar MurderAround 600 AP pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptionsVidya Dusi / Oct 27, 2026, 22:22 ISTCommentsShareAaText SizeSmallMediumLargePrint According to representatives monitoring the situation, around 3,000 Indian pilgrims remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, including about 1,500 from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Vijayawada: Around 600 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh are stranded in Saudi Arabia after flight cancellations disrupted their return from Umrah, leaving many struggling to pay for extended stays, accommodation and medicines.The pilgrims, who visited Makkah and Madinah, are awaiting alternative travel arrangements after their scheduled flights were cancelled or disrupted.
While some have booked fresh tickets, others cannot afford the additional cost and are waiting for arrangements under their original bookings.Representatives monitoring the situation estimate that around 3,000 Indian pilgrims remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, including approximately 1,500 from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.The disruption comes amid escalating regional security tensions and reports of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure, including airports.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 7,800 flights across Saudi Arabia were cancelled between Oct 8 and 25, with Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport among the worst affected. Although some services have resumed, limited flight availability continues to hamper travel.The prolonged stay has added to the financial burden on pilgrims, many of whom are struggling to meet the costs of accommodation and daily essentials. Refunds for cancelled tickets may take time, further complicating their situation.
Elderly passengers, women and those with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable, with some reportedly running short of medicines brought from India.District-wise figures compiled by coordinators list 55 pilgrims from Vijayawada, 47 from Guntur, 38 from Nandyal, 32 from Kadapa and 30 from Anantapur. The figures account for 202 pilgrims, while details from other districts are still being compiled.Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) is coordinating with representatives and volunteers in Saudi Arabia to monitor the situation and arrange assistance.
Dr P GuruRaja, NRI TDP global committee chief; Dr Vemuri Ravi, govt adviser and APNRT chairperson; and Ravi Radha Krishna, Andhra Pradesh special representative, are among those involved in discussions on relief and repatriation.Jani Basha Shaik, APNRTS regional head in Saudi Arabia, is coordinating with affected pilgrims and monitoring their welfare, including medical needs. Volunteers are also mobilising resources to provide food, accommodation and other essentials.A representation has been submitted to chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu seeking govt intervention to facilitate the pilgrims’ return.
It calls for coordination with airlines and relevant authorities to secure seats on available flights or arrange special services. Coordinators have urged the state and central govts to expedite repatriation, prioritise elderly passengers and those requiring regular medication, and provide clear information on alternative travel arrangements.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the la