MATARAT Holding Prepares for Peak Arrival of Hajj Pilgrims

MATARAT Holding has successfully prepared Saudi Arabia’s airports for the peak arrival of Hajj pilgrims, welcoming more than 1.1 million pilgrims for the 1445 AH Hajj season. The state-owned airports operator confirmed that a comprehensive operational plan, developed in collaboration with 27 government, security, and operational agencies, is now fully in effect across the Kingdom’s major gateways. A dedicated workforce of over 21,000 employees has been deployed to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience for the guests of God.

Context and Background

Saudi Arabia’s airports serve as the primary entry point for the millions of Muslims who travel to the Kingdom each year to perform Hajj and Umrah. Managing this extraordinary influx requires year-round planning, cross-agency coordination, and significant infrastructure investment. MATARAT Holding, which oversees the operation of 27 airports across the Kingdom through its subsidiaries, builds on the experience of previous seasons. The success of the 1444 AH Hajj season provided a foundation for further improvements, and the company has expanded services to meet the growing number of pilgrims.

During the peak Umrah period of Ramadan 1445 AH, Saudi airports recorded more than 12.5 million passengers and over 86,000 flights operated by 100 air carriers, representing a 13 percent growth compared to the previous year. This record performance demonstrates the Kingdom’s capacity to handle large-scale religious tourism while maintaining high service standards.

Key Details

Thirteen dedicated travel lounges have been established across six key airports: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. These lounges are designed to streamline arrival procedures and provide a comfortable environment for pilgrims.

An integrated plan is in place to accommodate over 1.4 million pilgrims arriving by air from outside the Kingdom via 106 air carriers. The total Hajj season air traffic for international passengers—both arriving and departing—at these six airports is expected to exceed 15 million. This represents a substantial logistical undertaking, coordinated with the General Authority of Civil Aviation and other partners.

Building on the success of the previous Hajj season, MATARAT Holding has expanded the “Traveler Without Bag” service, which allows pilgrims to complete travel procedures and check their luggage from their home country 24 hours before their flight. This service is available at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, reducing congestion and enhancing the overall pilgrim experience.

International Impact

The efficient handling of Hajj pilgrims is a matter of global significance, as the annual pilgrimage brings together Muslims from more than 180 countries. MATARAT Holding’s preparations reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing world-class services to visitors and ensuring their safety and comfort. The collaboration with 27 government, security, and operational agencies underscores the integrated approach that has become a hallmark of Saudi Arabia’s management of the Hajj season.

The expansion of the “Traveler Without Bag” service and the establishment of dedicated travel lounges demonstrate how Saudi Arabia continues to innovate in service delivery, setting new benchmarks for largescale event management. These improvements also contribute to the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a leading destination for religious tourism and a hub for international travel.

Vision 2030 Alignment

MATARAT Holding’s efforts are directly aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, enhance the quality of life, and position the Kingdom as a global leader in aviation and logistics. The company’s mission to develop airports and improve their performance supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, both of which are key pillars of Vision 2030. By investing in infrastructure and service excellence, Saudi Arabia is not only facilitating the Hajj experience but also strengthening its role as a global aviation hub. As the Kingdom continues to welcome increasing numbers of pilgrims and travelers, MATARAT Holding remains at the forefront, ensuring that every journey is safe, seamless, and memorable.

20 Questions

Q1. How many pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the 1445 AH Hajj season?

A1. More than 1.1 million pilgrims have already arrived at designated airports to perform Hajj rituals, according to MATARAT Holding. This figure represents the early influx ahead of the peak period.

Q2. Which organization is responsible for preparing Saudi Arabia’s airports for Hajj?

A2. MATARAT Holding, the state-owned company that oversees 27 airports across the Kingdom through its subsidiaries, is responsible for airport preparations. It works in collaboration with various government and operational agencies.

Q3. How many government and operational agencies are involved in the Hajj airport plan?

A3. MATARAT Holding implemented its operational plan in collaboration with 27 government, security, and operational agencies. This integrated approach ensures seamless coordination across all entities involved.

Q4. How many employees are dedicated to serving pilgrims at the airports?

A4. A dedicated workforce of over 21,000 employees is spread across major airports. They are committed to providing exceptional service to the guests of God.

Q5. At which airports have travel lounges been established for pilgrims?

A5. Thirteen travel lounges have been set up at six key airports: Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, Taif, Riyadh, and Dammam. These lounges streamline arrival procedures and enhance comfort.

Q6. How many pilgrims are expected to arrive by air from outside Saudi Arabia?

A6. An integrated plan is in place to accommodate over 1.4 million pilgrims arriving by air from outside the Kingdom. They will arrive via 106 air carriers.

Q7. What is the expected total international air traffic at the six airports during Hajj?

A7. The total Hajj season air traffic for international passengers, both arriving and departing, is expected to exceed 15 million at these six airports. This reflects the massive scale of operations.

Q8. What is the “Traveler Without Bag” service?

A8. The “Traveler Without Bag” service allows pilgrims to complete travel procedures and check their luggage from their home country 24 hours before their flight. It reduces congestion at airports.

Q9. At which airports is the “Traveler Without Bag” service available?

A9. The service is available at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. It has been expanded for the 1445 AH season.

Q10. How many passengers did Saudi airports handle during Ramadan 1445 AH?

A10. Saudi airports witnessed a record number of over 12.5 million passengers during the peak Umrah period of Ramadan 1445 AH. This marked a significant increase from the previous year.

Q11. How many flights were operated during Ramadan 1445 AH?

A11. More than 86,000 flights were operated by 100 air carriers during Ramadan 1445 AH. This represents a 13 percent growth compared to the 1444 AH season.

Q12. What was the percentage growth in passenger numbers compared to the previous year?

A12. The 13 percent growth in passenger numbers during Ramadan 1445 AH compared to 1444 AH highlights the increasing capacity and efficiency of Saudi airports.

Q13. How many airports does MATARAT Holding oversee in Saudi Arabia?

A13. MATARAT Holding oversees the operation of 27 airports across the Kingdom through its subsidiaries. Its mission is to develop and improve their performance.

Q14. What is MATARAT Holding’s mission?

A14. The company’s mission is to develop Saudi Arabia’s airports and improve their performance, aligning with the Kingdom’s rapid growth and the goals of Vision 2030.

Q15. Which national strategies does MATARAT Holding support?

A15. MATARAT Holding supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, both of which are key components of Saudi Vision 2030.

Q16. What is the significance of the Hajj season for Saudi Arabia’s airports?

A16. The Hajj season is a major operational period that tests the capacity and efficiency of Saudi airports. It showcases the Kingdom’s ability to manage large-scale events and provide world-class services.

Q17. How does MATARAT Holding ensure a smooth travel experience for pilgrims?

A17. MATARAT Holding implements a comprehensive operational plan, deploys thousands of trained staff, establishes dedicated lounges, and coordinates with multiple agencies to ensure efficiency and comfort.

Q18. What was the outcome of the 1444 AH Hajj season that informed this year’s preparations?

A18. The 1444 AH Hajj season was successful, providing valuable insights that MATARAT Holding used to expand services like the “Traveler Without Bag” initiative for 1445 AH. This continuous improvement reflects best practices.

Q19. How do these airport preparations contribute to Vision 2030?

A19. The preparations align with Vision 2030 by enhancing infrastructure, improving service quality, and supporting the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. They also boost religious tourism and the Kingdom’s global standing.

Q20. What role do Saudi airports play in the overall Hajj experience?

A20. Saudi airports are the first point of contact for most international pilgrims, making their efficiency and hospitality crucial to the overall Hajj experience. They reflect the Kingdom’s dedication to serving the guests of God.

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