Saudi Arabia readies Hajj pilgrims for departure with enhanced aviation services

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation continued field inspections and quality‑monitoring of services for departing Hajj pilgrims, using 31 performance indicators to track waiting times and satisfaction across airports and pilgrimage halls.

The authority reported that more than 9.5 million travelers were processed through six dedicated international airports, with 60,625 flights operated by 86 carriers during the arrival phase. The departure phase, scheduled from 13 Dhu al‑Hijja to 15 Muharram, will use the same airports plus 13 specialised travel halls, supported by over 22,000 staff working round‑the‑clock. New offerings such as a “bag‑less traveller” service and pre‑shipped Zamzam water aim to further ease pilgrims’ journeys.

Pilgrims in Mecca and Medina praised the smooth flow of the final Tawaf al‑Wada, noting efficient crowd‑management, health and emergency services, and overall security. The coordinated effort reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to provide a safe, orderly and comfortable pilgrimage experience for millions of international guests.