Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the completion of preparations across the Kingdom’s airports for the departure phase of the 1447 AH Hajj season.
According to GACA, more than 9.52 million passengers were processed through Saudi Arabia’s air entry points during the arrival phase of Hajj operations, including 1,485,729 pilgrims.
A total of 60,625 flights operated by 86 airlines were handled between the first of Dhu Al-Qadah and the eighth of Dhu Al-Hijjah as part of a coordinated operational program across designated Hajj airports.
The authority said the arrival phase was carried out through an integrated operational system implemented across six international airports dedicated to serving pilgrims.
The effort involved close coordination among aviation authorities, airport operators, airlines, and government agencies to ensure smooth passenger movement and efficient processing procedures.
With Hajj rituals nearing completion, preparations have shifted to the departure phase, which is scheduled to begin on the 13th of Dhu Al-Hijjah and continue until the 15th of Muharram 1448 AH.
The operational plan is being implemented by MATARAT Holding in cooperation with relevant government and operational entities to facilitate the return of pilgrims to their home countries and ensure seamless travel procedures.
The departure operations will be conducted through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
In addition to the six airports, 13 dedicated departure terminals have been prepared to support passenger processing and enhance operational efficiency during the post-Hajj travel period.
Image via SPA | Cropped by GBN
GACA said more than 22,000 employees have been mobilized to support the departure phase.
Personnel from airports, airlines, ground handling companies, security services, and operational partners will work around the clock to ensure the efficient movement of passengers and baggage while maintaining high standards of safety, service quality, and operational performance.
The aviation authority noted that the comprehensive operational plan is designed to manage the large volume of departing pilgrims while minimizing waiting times and ensuring smooth coordination among all entities involved in Hajj travel operations.
