As part of intensive preparations to welcome pilgrims and provide them with the best possible services, Jeddah Airports Company has officially adopted the operational plan for King Abdulaziz International Airport for the peak Umrah season of 1447 AH. This comprehensive plan aims to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims expected to arrive during the holy month of Ramadan and until the end of the Umrah season, through the activation of an integrated operational system focused on operating three main terminals: the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex, Terminal 1, and the North Terminal.

Season schedule details

According to the established timeframe for the 1447 AH Umrah season, the arrival period for pilgrims will end on Shawwal 15, 1447 AH (April 3, 2026). The departure date for Umrah visa holders will be Dhu al-Qi'dah 1, 1447 AH (April 18, 2026). This timeframe was set to ensure smooth operations and to organize flight schedules in accordance with the airport's capacity.

Huge logistical resources and qualified personnel

The operational plan includes a massive mobilization of logistical and human resources to ensure a seamless travel experience. 407 baggage claim counters have been set up to minimize waiting times, and 463 passport control counters to ensure rapid passenger flow. Additionally, 56 jet bridges will be operational to transport passengers directly to aircraft, along with 35 baggage carousel stations and 81 customs inspection devices, reflecting a high level of preparedness to enhance the efficiency of arrival and departure processes.

In terms of humanitarian and health services, the plan includes operating four fully equipped health centers within the airport to provide urgent medical care, and allocating three welcome lounges to organize and guide pilgrims. To ensure maximum comfort, 20 air-conditioned rest areas have been opened in the public area of ​​the Hajj and Umrah terminal complex. This system is supported by a large workforce of 10,000 employees representing various governmental, operational, and security agencies, working around the clock to serve visitors.

Strategic context and regional importance

This plan is of paramount importance within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the hosting of pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques and enhance the quality of services provided to them. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the primary gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, through which the vast majority of pilgrims from around the world pass. Therefore, the success of the operational plan for the peak Ramadan season will positively impact the Kingdom's international reputation in crowd management and large-scale logistics.

For his part, the CEO of Jeddah Airports Company, Engineer Mazen Johar, confirmed that this plan was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather was developed through close cooperation and full integration with 27 governmental and operational entities. He noted that Jeddah Airports continues its diligent efforts to facilitate arrival and departure procedures, while adhering to the highest safety and quality standards, and intensifying security and operational coordination to ensure a successful and safe Umrah season.

In a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, the passport control terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah welcomed the first flights of pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. The reception ceremony was conducted amidst a comprehensive system of services, with specialized staff completing the pilgrims' entry procedures smoothly and efficiently, reflecting the early preparations for this important season.

The General Directorate of Passports confirmed its full readiness to receive the increasing numbers of pilgrims during the holy month, noting that it has supported all passport halls at air, land and sea ports with qualified and highly trained personnel, in addition to equipping the counters with modern technical devices and advanced fingerprint systems to ensure the rapid flow of travelers and reduce waiting times, thus ensuring a comfortable travel experience from the moment of arrival.

The Ramadan Umrah season holds special significance for Muslims worldwide, as rewards are multiplied and eagerness to visit the Holy Kaaba grows, based on Prophetic traditions that equate performing Umrah during Ramadan with performing Hajj alongside the Prophet (peace be upon him). Given this profound spiritual importance, Saudi Arabia witnesses a massive influx of pilgrims each year, requiring high-level security and logistical coordination to ensure their safety and well-being.

This smooth reception comes as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great importance on the program for serving pilgrims and seeks to increase capacity and improve the services provided to them. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the main gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, and therefore receives special attention in developing its digital and service infrastructure to be a modern gateway befitting the Kingdom's stature and its visitors.

In closing its statement, the General Directorate of Passports stressed the importance of those coming to perform Umrah adhering to the regulations and instructions governing Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom, and complying with the time periods specified in the visas, stressing that compliance with the regulations contributes to the smooth flow of movement and avoids any obstacles that the pilgrim may face until he leaves the Holy Land and returns to his homeland safe and sound.