GACA secures 3 million flight seats for pilgrims during Hajj arrival and departure phases
With Umrah access temporarily suspended ahead of Hajj, pilgrims can plan future journeys on the Haramain, Saudi Arabia’s fastest and most convenient rail link connecting Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah.SPA file
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has announced massive preparations to manage the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the 2025 Hajj season, deploying tens of thousands of transport vehicles and ramping up operations across air, land, sea, and rail networks.
In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics said over 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis have been readied to serve pilgrims as part of an integrated national plan to support the smooth movement of millions of Hajj participants.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said it has secured more than 3 million seats for pilgrims on both scheduled and chartered flights during arrival and departure phases.
Oversight teams have been tasked with intensifying performance monitoring of airports and service providers to ensure seamless travel.
Matarat Holding Company, which manages airport operations, has deployed over 18,000 employees across 11 pilgrim-dedicated travel lounges, including specialised initiatives such as “Traveller Without Baggage,” which allows for pre-shipping of luggage and Zamzam water from pilgrims’ residences.
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) announced full operational readiness, with 1 million seats available on 2,000 flights operated by its 158-aircraft fleet, while budget carrier Flynas will operate 294 flights for over 120,000 pilgrims from 15 international destinations.
The rail sector is also at full throttle. Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) will operate over 2,000 Al Mashair Metro trips, expected to transport more than 2 million passengers across Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, powered by 35 electric trains reaching speeds of 300 km/h, will ferry pilgrims between Makkah and Madinah via three major stations, including one at King Abdulaziz International Airport — among the largest airport-connected train terminals globally.
On land, the Roads General Authority completed maintenance on 7,400 kilometers of roads, inspected 247 bridges, and deployed 300 road monitors alongside 20 advanced monitoring systems to ensure structural integrity and smooth traffic flow.
In the maritime sphere, Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has positioned 436 personnel at Jeddah Islamic Port to receive approximately 5,000 pilgrims, supporting entry logistics and customs procedures.
Saudi Post (SPL) has also designated a two-month operational window, from 15 Dhu Al Qadah to 15 Muharram, involving 62 vehicles, 44 scooters, and 57 sales outlets to support last-mile delivery services for pilgrims. SPL will provide refrigerated vehicles to transport medical materials and biological samples, reflecting the growing integration of health logistics in Hajj planning.
Meanwhile, the National Transport Safety Center (NTSC) will coordinate emergency response efforts, managing resources around the clock across all modes of transport, air, land, sea, and rail, particularly during the peak days of Hajj.
Gulfnews
