Saudi Arabia has implemented its maximum state of preparedness across its transportation and logistics networks ahead of this year’s Hajj season, mobilising air, land, rail, and sea systems to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of millions of pilgrims.
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics stated that these preparations are part of a fully coordinated system linking all transport modes, designed to provide a smooth and secure pilgrimage experience for visitors arriving globally.
In the aviation sector, more than 3.1 million seats have been reserved for pilgrims, supported by over 12,000 scheduled and charter flights. Authorities have deployed oversight teams to ensure that airlines and airports comply with performance and service standards.
Six major airports have been designated to handle Hajj flights, staffed by over 22,000 personnel. New services include a “baggage-free traveller” option, allowing luggage to be sent directly from lodgings, along with expanded pre-shipment of Zamzam water.
National carriers have also boosted capacity. Saudia has provided over one million seats, enhanced by advanced digital services, while Flynas has stated it is ready to transport hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, including more than 147,000 from 20 international destinations.
Rail services will be crucial in moving pilgrims between holy sites. Saudi Arabia Railways has scheduled over 2,000 trips for the Mashair train, expected to carry more than two million passengers between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.
The Haramain high-speed railway will operate 5,308 journeys with a capacity exceeding 2.2 million seats, connecting Mecca and Medina via King Abdulaziz International Airport.
On roadways, authorities have carried out extensive maintenance, including clearing over 56 million cubic metres of sand dunes, servicing 178,000 lighting units, and installing more than 4,000 directional and warning signs to enhance safety.
Public transport has been reinforced with a fleet of more than 33,000 buses and 5,000 taxis, alongside increased field inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Logistics and postal services are also being expanded, with Saudi Post deploying a fleet of trucks, delivery vehicles, as well as electric scooters and motorcycles to support operations in high-density areas, including airports and hospitals.
At sea, facilities at Jeddah Islamic Port have been prepared to receive pilgrims, with dedicated teams assigned to streamline procedures.
The National Transport Safety Center has stated that emergency and response teams will operate around the clock across all transport sectors, ensuring rapid intervention in case of incidents.
