King Abdulaziz Airport Reports 28.55M Passengers; Hajj, Umrah Success

The Vice Governor of the Makkah Region, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, received the CEO of Jeddah Airports Company (JedCo), Mazen Johar, to review the 2026 operational performance of King Abdulaziz International Airport. The meeting, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, covered key results for the year, including the Umrah and Hajj seasons of 1447 AH, as well as development projects and future plans aimed at enhancing airport efficiency and the traveler experience.

Context and Background

From January to the end of July, the airport welcomed approximately 28.55 million passengers on 169,900 flights, handling 33.6 million bags. On January 17, it recorded its highest single-day activity with 195,300 passengers. The Umrah season of 1447 AH saw about 6.16 million passengers on 36,400 flights, with 7.2 million bags processed, supported by over 10,000 employees from various agencies operating at the airport.

Key Details

For the Hajj season of 1447 AH, the airport received more than 1.67 million pilgrims during arrival and departure phases, across over 9,600 flights, and processed approximately 2.76 million bags. Buses transported 821,700 pilgrims on 22,855 trips, while the Haramain High-Speed Railway carried 48,200 pilgrims on 207 trips. The Vice Governor was briefed on key JedCo initiatives to enhance the pilgrim experience, including the deployment of electronic passport control gates, the ‘Baggage-Free Traveler’ initiative, automation of Zamzam water bottle sales, and expanding the use of the Haramain train.

Implications and Impact

The report highlighted several recent accolades: the airport ranked fifth among the world’s most improved airports according to Skytrax, and obtained LEED Gold certification for green buildings. The Terminal 1 aquarium also received Saudi Arabia’s first license for a marine life presentation center. The progress rate for the Terminal 4 development project has reached 98.5%, with strategic projects underway to increase non-aviation revenues, develop commercial services, and strengthen hospitality infrastructure.

Vision 2030 Alignment

King Abdulaziz International Airport’s continued growth and modernization are integral to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a global aviation hub. By enhancing passenger capacity, streamlining pilgrim services, and achieving international recognition for sustainability and excellence, the airport directly supports the Vision’s goals of boosting tourism, improving quality of life, and diversifying the economy. The ongoing investments in infrastructure and services underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to welcoming the world with world-class facilities and hospitality.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the meeting between Prince Saud bin Mishal and Mazen Johar?

A1. The Vice Governor of the Makkah region received the CEO of Jeddah Airports Company to review the operational performance of King Abdulaziz International Airport in 2026, including results from the Umrah and Hajj seasons and future development plans.

Q2. How many passengers passed through King Abdulaziz International Airport from January to July 2026?

A2. The airport welcomed approximately 28.55 million passengers from January to the end of July 2026, along with 169,900 flights and 33.6 million bags processed.

Q3. What was the highest daily passenger traffic recorded at the airport in 2026?

A3. On January 17, 2026, the airport recorded its highest daily activity, handling 195,300 passengers.

Q4. How many passengers were served during the Umrah season of 1447 AH?

A4. The Umrah season of 1447 AH saw approximately 6.16 million passengers arriving and departing, with 36,400 flights and 7.2 million bags processed.

Q5. How many employees were mobilized during the Umrah season?

A5. Over 10,000 employees from various agencies operating at the airport were mobilized to handle the influx of passengers during the Umrah season.

Q6. How many pilgrims used King Abdulaziz International Airport during the Hajj season?

A6. More than 1.67 million pilgrims used the airport during the arrival and departure phases of the Hajj season, with over 9,600 flights and 2.76 million bags processed.

Q7. What role did buses play in transporting pilgrims during Hajj?

A7. Buses transported 821,700 pilgrims across 22,855 trips, providing essential ground transportation services to and from the airport.

Q8. How many pilgrims used the Haramain High-Speed Railway during Hajj?

A8. The Haramain High-Speed Railway carried 48,200 pilgrims on 207 trips, offering a fast and efficient connection between cities.

Q9. What are some of the initiatives JedCo has introduced to improve the pilgrim experience?

A9. Initiatives include electronic passport control gates, the ‘Baggage-Free Traveler’ program, automated sales of Zamzam water bottles, and expanded use of the Haramain train.

Q10. What recognition has the airport received from Skytrax?

A10. King Abdulaziz International Airport ranked fifth among the world’s most improved airports in terms of development according to Skytrax, reflecting its commitment to excellence.

Q11. What is the significance of the LEED Gold certification?

A11. The LEED Gold certification for green buildings recognizes the airport’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning with global standards.

Q12. What is the first license granted for a marine life center in Saudi Arabia?

A12. The aquarium at Terminal 1 received Saudi Arabia’s first license for a marine life presentation center, highlighting the airport’s unique facilities.

Q13. What is the current progress rate of the Terminal 4 development project?

A13. The Terminal 4 development project has reached a 98.5% completion rate, indicating that it is nearly ready for operation.

Q14. What are the strategic projects aimed at increasing non-aviation revenues?

A14. The report mentioned projects to develop commercial services, enhance hospitality infrastructure, and boost non-aviation revenues, contributing to the airport’s financial diversification.

Q15. How does the airport contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A15. By expanding capacity, improving services, and gaining international recognition, the airport supports Vision 2030’s goals of boosting tourism, economic diversification, and enhancing global connectivity.

Q16. Who is the CEO of Jeddah Airports Company?

A16. Mazen Johar is the CEO of Jeddah Airports Company, who presented the performance report to the Vice Governor.

Q17. What is the role of the Saudi Press Agency in this context?

A17. The Saudi Press Agency reported the meeting and the details of the airport’s performance, serving as an official source of information.

Q18. How many flights were operated during the Umrah season?

A18. During the Umrah season, 36,400 flights were operated, carrying the 6.16 million passengers.

Q19. What is the passenger capacity of King Abdulaziz International Airport after improvements?

A19. The report indicates that the airport handled 28.55 million passengers in seven months, suggesting it has the capacity to serve millions of travelers annually.

Q20. What future developments are planned for King Abdulaziz International Airport?

A20. Future plans include further development of Terminal 4, expansion of commercial services, and enhanced hospitality infrastructure to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency.

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