Spanning 74 days to bring pilgrims from around the world to the Holy Sites.
Monday, May 13, 2024 : Saudia Group announces its operational plan for Hajj Season 2024, aimed at facilitating the
transportation of pilgrims from around the world, streamlining all procedures and providing top-
notch services at various service locations. Over 1.2 million seats have been allocated through
optimal investment in its fleet of more than 150 aircraft, distinguished by operational efficiency
and quality services. This initiative is in line with the directives of Saudi leadership, supported by
collaboration with various entities involved in serving Hajj pilgrims.
The operational period for the national flag carrier during Hajj Season 2024, encompassing both
inbound and outbound stages, spans 74 days starting from May 9th. Saudia Group has
proactively formed specialized teams distributed among performance monitoring, terminal
operations, follow-up, and coordination with other sectors. Additionally, operational resources
have been allocated across the lounges of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and
an emergency plan has been developed in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Furthermore, numerous virtual simulations have been conducted across both Jeddah and
Madinah international airports.
Saudia Group will welcome Hajj pilgrims through five domestic airports, including Jeddah,
Madinah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Yanbu, with more than 11,000 frontline employees and aircraft
maintenance technicians, ensuring smooth flow of movement at the airports as well as
operational efficiency. Additionally, 120,000 pilgrims will be served through the “Makkah Route”
initiative which is designed to streamline the immigration process for pilgrims to Makkah. Saudia
will also continue its “Luggage First” service, and 270,000 bags will be handled as well as
240,000 Zamzam bottles.
Amer Al Khushail, CEO of Saudia Hajj and Umrah, said: “The national flag carrier of Saudi
Arabia is honored to continue its pivotal role in serving pilgrims, ensuring their spiritual journey
is enriched in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Each year, we integrate the efforts across
all sectors as we strive to enhance pilgrims’ satisfaction by implementing initiatives that
streamline arrival procedures and airport check-in processes”.
“In preparation for the Hajj season, Saudia is committed to signing agreements with government
delegations and travel agents, to ensure providing appropriate seat capacity for markets with
high demand across over a hundred destinations in four continents. We offer seamless
bookings through Saudia’s offices and online channels, we have also designed awareness
campaigns regarding luggage acceptance criteria.” added Al Khashil.
Saudia offers a number of initiatives to enhance the pilgrims’ experience. These begin with the
issuance of outbound and inbound boarding passes. With a commitment to seamless
communication, Saudia’s multilingual staff, proficient in more than 30 languages, ensure
efficient service delivery at the highest standards. The airline also offers diverse meal options
onboard, catering to all tastes.
Saudia aircraft have been specially equipped, featuring screens that will display announcements
of Miqat (a boundary for pilgrims to start intent for the performance of ?ajj), and prayer times.
These screens also offer over 300,000 minutes of Islamic content aimed at educating pilgrims
on rituals and Kingdom regulations, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and
Umrah.
Saudia prioritizes accessibility, providing transport for individuals with disabilities, along with
medical stretchers and oxygen equipment onboard as needed. Moreover, Saudia continues its
luggage collection service from pilgrims’ residences, streamlining travel procedures for return
flights after the pilgrimage rites.
