Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport has begun phased operations at Terminal 4, adding fresh capacity at the kingdom's main gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The rollout started on 27 September 2026 and continues as airlines move over on a staggered schedule. According to Saudi media reports, the terminal includes a dedicated area for pilgrim group check-in.
The reopening of Terminal 4 is significant because Jeddah is the arrival point for the majority of pilgrims who travel to Makkah and Madinah. A smoother airport experience at this hub directly affects how quickly pilgrims can begin their journey. Officials have presented the terminal as part of a wider upgrade of the airport's infrastructure.
A dedicated space for pilgrims
Terminal 4 covers around 97,000 square metres and has an annual capacity of 15 million passengers. Among its features is a facility set aside for group check-in procedures for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, who often travel in large organised parties. This is intended to ease the processing of pilgrim groups, which can be slow at busy general terminals.
The Jeddah Airports Company, which operates the airport, described the opening as part of its efforts to strengthen operational readiness. The company said the move "represents an extension of its efforts to develop the infrastructure" of the airport and enhance its efficiency. The terminal reuses and upgrades the airport's older south facilities.
The expansion comes as traffic through Jeddah climbs. According to official figures, the airport handled a record 53.4 million passengers in 2025. Under Saudi Vision 2030, the airport is targeted to handle more than 90 million passengers a year by 2030, part of a kingdom-wide goal of 330 million annual passengers across all airports.
King Abdulaziz International Airport has long served as the principal entry point for pilgrims arriving by air. For decades it has operated a specialised Hajj terminal to handle the seasonal surge of travellers. The Terminal 4 group check-in area adds capacity for pilgrim processing throughout the year, including the Umrah season, which now runs across much of the calendar.
A staggered move for airlines
Airlines are relocating to Terminal 4 in phases rather than all at once, following an approved operational plan. The first carriers to begin operations there on 27 September were Wizz Air, AJet and SalamAir. The gradual approach is designed to avoid disruption during the transition.
Several carriers are moving from facilities previously used for pilgrim traffic. On 28 September, Fly Jinnah transferred from the Hajj and Umrah terminals, while Nesma Airlines moved from the North Terminal. Akasa Air followed on 29 September, also shifting from the former Hajj and Umrah facility.
Further transfers are scheduled into October. SyrianAir and Pegasus were due to move on 1 October, with Azerbaijan Airlines and Tunisair relocating on 3 October. Additional airlines will follow as the phased plan proceeds, so the terminal assigned to a given flight may change from one period to the next.
The reshuffle is part of a broader push to modernise Saudi airports and lift service standards for both pilgrims and general travellers. The kingdom has invested heavily in aviation as it works to expand religious tourism and welcome far larger numbers of visitors. A better-equipped Jeddah gateway is central to that ambition, given its role in receiving Hajj and Umrah traffic.
Practical tips for travellers
Pilgrims and other passengers flying through Jeddah should take a few simple precautions during the transition. Check which terminal your airline is using before leaving home, as several carriers have changed buildings within days of each other. Confirm the terminal again close to departure, since the phased plan is still being rolled out.
Travellers in organised Hajj or Umrah groups should follow the instructions of their operator about where to assemble, and allow extra time while staff and signage settle into the new layout. Arriving early remains the safest way to avoid missing a connection during a period of change.