As the final flights carrying pilgrims departed the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia has revealed the monumental scale of its Hajj operation for 2025, a logistical feat that ensured a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey for millions of faithful.

In an incredible display of coordination and dedication, the Kingdom’s aviation sector handled over 19 million passengers on more than 128,000 flights between late April and early July. This massive undertaking, involving 116 airlines from across the globe, saw over 1.4 million pilgrims arrive through six dedicated airports, all part of a meticulously planned effort to make the once-in-a-lifetime journey as comfortable and efficient as possible.

The success of the Hajj season was celebrated at a ceremony in Jeddah, where GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej honoured the many organisations involved. But behind the staggering numbers lies a story of innovation and a deep-seated commitment to serving the guests of God.

Innovations transforming the Hajj experience

Each year, Saudi Arabia invests heavily in technology and infrastructure to enhance the comfort, safety, and efficiency of the Hajj. This year’s success is built upon a foundation of continuous improvement. Here are some of the key facts about what the Kingdom is actively doing:

• ‘Makkah Route’ initiative: A true game-changer, this programme allows pilgrims from select countries to complete Saudi immigration and customs checks at their home airport. Upon landing in the Kingdom, they can simply walk off the plane and head directly to their transport, bypassing long queues and making their arrival incredibly smooth.
  
• Keeping cool : To combat the intense heat, vast areas in Mina are now equipped with permanent, fire-resistant, air-conditioned tents. Additionally, thousands of misting fans and water coolers are installed along pedestrian routes, providing much-needed relief for pilgrims.
  
• High-speed connections: The Haramain High Speed Railway is revolutionising travel between the holy sites. Linking Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City, the train slashes travel times and reduces road congestion. This year alone, it enabled 253,000 pilgrims to travel comfortably between airports and the holy cities.
  
• Expanding sacred spaces: To safely accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has undertaken one of the largest construction projects in modern history: the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. This has massively increased capacity and improved crowd flow.

A symphony of coordination

Making this vision a reality required a massive team effort. More than 18,000 men and women from over 25 government, security, and operational bodies worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their coordinated efforts ensured that every aspect of the pilgrim’s journey was considered.

One of the standout services this year was the “Passengers with No Bags” initiative. This brilliant scheme managed luggage transport directly from the pilgrims’ arrival airports to their accommodation. Over one million people benefited, with 1.6 million pieces of luggage seamlessly delivered to their doorsteps. The service even handled the pre-shipment of over 856,000 bottles of sacred Zamzam water, allowing pilgrims to travel light and focus on their worship.

This intricate network of services, all part of the “Pilgrims Experience Program” under Saudi Vision 2030, goes far beyond logistics. It is about honouring a sacred duty with heartfelt service.

To learn more about Hajj, here is your comprehensive guide.