GACA Successfully Transports Over 19 Million Passengers And Pilgrims During Hajj Season 1446 AH

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) successfully executed its operational plan for the Hajj season 1446 AH, transporting over 19 million passengers and pilgrims via more than 128,000 flights. This extensive operation spanned from April 29 and involved 116 air carriers globally. GACA confirmed that over 1.4 million pilgrims arrived at six major international airports in the Kingdom, using 12 dedicated departure terminals.

Coordination among more than 25 government, security, and operational entities was crucial to this success. A workforce exceeding 18,000 employees ensured a smooth travel experience for pilgrims, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating the Hajj journey. These achievements were celebrated at a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, under the patronage of GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.

A standout service this year was the "Passengers with No Bags" initiative. It streamlined pilgrim journeys by managing luggage transport directly from airports to residences. Over one million beneficiaries used this service, with more than 1.6 million pieces of luggage transported. Additionally, it facilitated the pre-shipment of over 856,000 bottles of Zamzam water.

Another significant milestone was connecting Hajj flights with the Haramain High Speed Railway in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). This initiative enabled 253,000 pilgrims to travel comfortably between airports and holy sites, reducing congestion on traditional routes and enhancing overall transportation efficiency.

GACA designated six international airports for receiving pilgrims: 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. The latter two served as key hubs for connecting flights.

In collaboration with government agencies, the air transport system maintained high operational efficiency throughout the Hajj season. Special terminals were set up at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah for receiving pilgrims through specific initiatives.

Vision for Future Aviation Hub

The success of Hajj season 1446 AH is part of GACA's broader strategy to elevate Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector per the National Strategy for Transport and Logistic Services. This vision aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a regional aviation hub by 2030. Goals include increasing passenger traffic to 330 million annually and expanding air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons.

GACA also played a crucial role in the Ministry of Interior’s "Makkah Route" initiative within the "Pilgrims Experience Program" under Saudi Vision 2030. The authority participated as a member of the supervisory committee and scheduled flights carefully to avoid overlapping arrivals, ensuring a streamlined entry process.

This comprehensive approach reflects GACA's commitment to improving air connectivity to reach 250 international destinations by 2030 while enhancing passenger experiences during significant religious events like Hajj.

With inputs from SPA