Saudi Arabia Enhances Transport And Logistics For Hajj Pilgrims

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is gearing up for the Hajj season of 1445 AH, with its transportation and logistics sector fully prepared to ensure a seamless experience for the influx of pilgrims. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is leading these efforts, offering comprehensive services at six major airports: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. To handle the expected surge, GACA has arranged for 3.4 million seats across 7,700 flights.

MATARAT Holding is set to provide top-notch transportation and ground-handling services at these airports, having established 13 travel lounges and mobilized over 21,000 personnel. A notable service innovation is the "passenger with no bag" feature, allowing pilgrims to check in their luggage remotely 24 hours before their flights. Saudia Airlines has also stepped up, allocating more than 1.2 million seats and deploying a fleet of 150 aircraft to cater to pilgrims from around the globe.

On the ground, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) will facilitate pilgrim movement between holy sites with over 2,000 scheduled trips on the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line, utilizing 17 trains specifically dedicated to this purpose. The innovative "bracelet tickets" initiative will provide pilgrims with easy access to camp information and train schedules via QR codes on their smartphones. Additionally, the Haramain High Speed Railway is offering more than 3,800 trips during the season on 35 trains across five stations.

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) is ready to welcome around 10,000 pilgrims at Jeddah Islamic Port, providing logistics services for efficient cargo flow, deploying personnel and equipment for smooth pilgrim reception, and ensuring the safe handling of sacrificial livestock in collaboration with port authorities. Mawani's "leave without luggage" initiative will further facilitate a hassle-free departure for pilgrims.

The Transport General Authority (TGA) has made extensive preparations, with over 27,000 buses and 5,000 taxis available for pilgrim transport. Safety measures and traffic monitoring technology will be employed to ensure efficient movement along designated public transport routes. The TGA also plans to expand the use of virtual reality glasses introduced in the previous Hajj season for enhanced operational efficiency.

The Roads General Authority (RGA) has ensured that the road network surrounding the Kingdom is ready to receive pilgrims. With Saudi Arabia's road network ranked among the best globally, the RGA has installed safety measures such as concrete and metal barriers, warning signs, ground paints, and warning vibrations to ensure pilgrim safety and comfort.

Lastly, the Saudi Post (SPL) is prepared to handle over 230,000 official mail items during Hajj. With 45 post offices and additional logistical support such as electric scooters and mobile units, SPL aims to provide efficient services to meet pilgrims' needs.

Through these comprehensive preparations across various modes of transportation—land, air, sea, and rail—the Kingdom's transportation and logistics sector plays a pivotal role in enhancing the Hajj experience. This aligns with the National Strategy for Transport and Logistic Services' goals to empower sectors and achieve targets set by the "Pilgrim Experience Program" and Hajj and Umrah objectives.

With inputs from SPA