Jeddah Airport Expands Pilgrim Services for 2026 Season

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has rolled out an expanded operational plan for the 2026 Hajj and Umrah season, using its dedicated pilgrim facilities to handle large volumes of arriving and departing travelers. The setup covers the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex, Terminal 1, and the North Terminal, with the main Hajj Terminal operating from 18 May to 16 June 2026.

The 2026 plan includes 407 baggage claim counters, 463 passport control counters, 56 jet bridges, 35 baggage carousel stations, and 81 customs inspection devices. Pilgrims also have access to 4 health centers, 3 welcome lounges, and 20 air-conditioned rest areas, with the Hajj and Umrah terminals listed as open 24 hours.

Makkah Route speeds up arrivals

The Makkah Route Initiative completes entry formalities, health requirements, and baggage handling at the departure hall abroad, so pilgrims move directly to buses for Makkah without queuing at passport counters or baggage claim on arrival. The initiative includes biometric collection, electronic Hajj visa issuance, passport finalization at departure airports, and luggage tagging and sorting tied to transport and accommodation inside the Kingdom.

الخطوط السعودية's 2026 Hajj operation serves more than 179,000 pilgrims through Makkah Route, while its Luggage First service is expected to handle about 330,000 bags. A free shuttle ran from Terminal 1 to the Grand Mosque area every two hours, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. departing the airport and from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. from the Grand Mosque side, for travelers holding an Umrah reservation in Nusuk or توكلنا.

For Umrah season 1447 AH, the arrival period ends on Shawwal 15, 1447 AH (April 3, 2026), and departure for Umrah visa holders is set for Dhu al-Qi'dah 1, 1447 AH (April 18, 2026). Pilgrims can reach the Hajj Office at +966 920002814 and the Immigration Office at 922. The expanded services aim to shorten waiting times and ease the journey for the millions of residents and visitors traveling through Jeddah each season.

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