Saudi airports are preparing for the Hajj season with integrated smart services
have announced Saudi airports their full readiness to receive pilgrims for the 1447 AH Hajj season, through the launch of a comprehensive operational plan aimed at facilitating the pilgrims' journey from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom until their safe departure. This step comes as part of ongoing efforts to provide the best logistical and technological services that ensure the performance of the rituals with ease and peace of mind.
Saudi Arabia's digital and logistical airport system for serving pilgrims
This year's operational plan is distributed across six major international airports designated by Airports Holding Company to receive pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Taif International Airport, and Prince Abdulmohsen Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu. Preparations include equipping 13 fully furnished terminals to accommodate the large influx of passengers, supported by more than 22,000 staff members working around the clock to expedite procedures and facilitate movement within the terminals, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and improving the pilgrim experience.
A historical legacy in serving the guests of God and continuous development
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has dedicated all its material and human resources to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. From the era of the founding King Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – to the present day, the aviation and transportation infrastructure has witnessed tremendous development to meet the growing needs of pilgrims. Serving pilgrims is no longer limited to simply facilitating their passage, but has transformed into an integrated system of smart services and proactive solutions. Innovative initiatives such as the “Lock-Up Traveler” service exemplify this development, allowing pilgrims to complete their travel procedures and check their luggage directly from their accommodation, in addition to pre-shipping Zamzam water containers, thus relieving them of the burden of travel and providing a smoother and more comfortable journey experience.
Economic dimensions and regional and international impacts of the success of the Hajj season
The importance of these massive preparations extends beyond the religious aspect, encompassing significant economic and developmental dimensions at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, the success of the Hajj season contributes to supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030 and enhance the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents. Regionally and internationally, this meticulous organization strengthens the international community's confidence in the Kingdom's ability to manage large crowds with high efficiency and complete safety, positively impacting the aviation and religious tourism sectors globally. It is worth noting that Airports Holding Company currently oversees the operation of 27 Saudi airports through its subsidiaries (Riyadh Airports, Jeddah Airports, Dammam Airports, and Airports Cluster II), aiming to improve overall performance in line with the National Aviation Strategy, which stems from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
