Saudi Aviation Sector Ready For Pilgrims' Departure After Hajj

MAKKAH, May 31 (Bernama-SPA) -- Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the completion of the aviation sector’s preparations at airports across the Kingdom for the departure of pilgrims following this year’s haj season (1447 AH), facilitating their return to their home countries with ease and convenience, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

GACA stated that more than 9,520,836 passengers, including 1,485,729 pilgrims, arrived through air entry points on 60,625 flights operated by 86 airlines during the pilgrims’ arrival phase.

This took place between 1 Dhu Al-Qadah and 8 Dhu Al-Hijjah under an integrated operational system implemented across six international airports designated to serve pilgrims.

The departure phase will begin on 13 Dhu Al-Hijjah and continue until 15 Muharram 1448 AH under a comprehensive operational plan implemented by MATARAT Holding in cooperation with relevant government and operational entities, with the aim of facilitating pilgrims’ return journeys and ensuring smooth procedures at all airports serving pilgrims.

The operational plan covers 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, in addition to 13 departure terminals dedicated to serving pilgrims.

More than 22,000 employees are involved, working around the clock to ensure operational efficiency and the swift completion of procedures.

-- BERNAMA-SPA