King Abdulaziz Airport Gears Up For Hajj Season With JEDCO's Plan

Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO) has officially announced its comprehensive operational plan for the Hajj season of 1445 Hijri, ensuring the readiness of King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) to accommodate approximately 1.2 million pilgrims. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to enhance the Hajj experience in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The plan involves collaboration with over 27 governmental and private entities, aiming to provide exceptional services and facilitate the rituals of the guests of Allah.

Mazen Johar, the Chief Executive of JEDCO, emphasized that the operational strategy is designed to meet all operational and security standards, focusing on the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. This approach is in direct response to the directives issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, stressing the importance of offering all possible facilities and comforts to the pilgrims.

The execution of this plan will commence from the first day of Dhu Al-Qa'dah, marking the arrival of the first flights, and will continue until all pilgrims have arrived. It includes the full operation of three key airport lounges: Lounge 1, the North Lounge, and the Hajj and Umrah lounges complex. These facilities are prepared to serve not only pilgrims but also other categories of travelers throughout the season.

Johar detailed that these lounges are equipped with over 411 passport control stations, 440 baggage-receiving stations, and numerous other facilities designed to streamline the travel process for pilgrims. These include 56 movable bridge gates, 54 customs inspection devices, 29 baggage-claim belts, 28 bus gates, four health centers, and two platforms specifically for group baggage handling.

Furthermore, Johar highlighted that during peak times, KAIA would be staffed by approximately 16,000 employees from various sectors including government, security, and operations. This significant workforce is dedicated to ensuring that all procedures are as smooth as possible for pilgrims during their spiritual journey.

This extensive preparation by JEDCO and its partners underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing the Hajj experience for its guests. Through meticulous planning and coordination, KAIA is set to efficiently manage the expected influx of pilgrims, thereby contributing to the successful realization of Saudi Vision 2030's goals related to Hajj services.

With inputs from SPA