Saudi airports are ready for the Umrah season in Ramadan 1447 AH
Airports Holding Company announced that it has raised the operational readiness level at the Kingdom's airports to its highest level, as part of intensive preparations to receive pilgrims and travelers during the holy month of Ramadan and the peak Umrah season of 1447 AH. This step comes within its ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and provide a seamless and comfortable travel experience around the clock, in line with the millions of pilgrims expected to arrive in the Holy Land.
The historical context and religious significance of the month of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan holds a special place for Muslims worldwide, as it is a time when rewards are multiplied and the desire to perform Umrah increases. Historically, this month represents the peak of the Umrah season, with millions flocking from all corners of the earth to Mecca and Medina, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which encourages performing Umrah during Ramadan, the reward of which is equivalent to Hajj. This profound religious legacy places a tremendous responsibility on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure the provision of the best possible services to the pilgrims, a commitment reflected in the annual operational plans designed to facilitate their spiritual journey.
Integrated operational plans and advanced technology
The operational readiness plans developed by Airports Holding include a comprehensive package of measures, encompassing intensified field monitoring and enhanced passenger management within terminals, in coordination with all partners from the public and private sectors. Emphasis has also been placed on strengthening technological solutions and digital services that contribute to expediting travel procedures and reducing waiting times, such as the use of smart e-gates, self-service kiosks, and mobile applications that facilitate the pilgrim's journey from arrival to departure.
Local and international impact within the framework of Vision 2030
These preparations are directly aligned with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to increase the capacity to receive Umrah pilgrims to 30 million by 2030. Successfully managing peak seasons not only reinforces the Kingdom’s position as the heart and leader of the Islamic world, but also has a significant positive economic impact domestically, stimulating the transportation, hospitality, and retail sectors. Internationally, this outstanding performance reflects the Kingdom’s ability to manage massive crowds with world-class efficiency, solidifying its image as a safe and reliable destination for religious tourism.
Enhance security and safety preparedness and emergency plans
In addition to operational efficiency, the plans place great emphasis on enhancing security and safety readiness and activating emergency response plans. This includes developing operational and communication coordination mechanisms, real-time monitoring of operations, and proactively identifying, predicting, and addressing potential risks and crises. All these efforts aim to ensure business continuity and provide services that meet the highest international quality standards, guaranteeing the safety and comfort of travelers and pilgrims at all 27 airports in the Kingdom.
