King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the principal air gateway for pilgrims heading to Makkah, handled about 28.55 million passengers in the first seven months of 2026. The figure was disclosed during a performance review held by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, with the chief executive of Jeddah Airports Co.

The airport operated some 169,900 flights from the start of the year through the end of July, according to a report reviewed at the meeting. For the millions of pilgrims who perform Umrah and Hajj each year, Jeddah remains the busiest point of entry, and its throughput is a useful barometer of pilgrim traffic and the Kingdom's wider travel demand.

The gateway to the holy cities

Jeddah sits roughly an hour and a half by road from Makkah and has long served as the traditional arrival point for pilgrims. Its dedicated facilities are built to absorb the surges that come with the Umrah calendar and the Hajj season, when large groups arrive within compressed windows.

The review of the airport's performance covered the results of the past Umrah and Hajj seasons alongside updates on development projects and future plans to improve efficiency and the passenger experience. That pairing, operational results plus forward-looking projects, reflects how Saudi authorities are treating airport capacity as a core part of the pilgrim journey rather than a separate transport matter.

Investment in the passenger experience

The meeting's focus on future plans points to continued investment in how pilgrims move through the airport. Improvements to passenger flow, processing and facilities matter most during peak periods, when tens of thousands of pilgrims can pass through in a single day. Smoother handling at the gateway sets the tone for the rest of a pilgrim's trip and reduces fatigue before the physically demanding rituals ahead.

The attention from the Makkah regional leadership also underscores how closely air travel is tied to the broader pilgrimage system. Reception at the airport, onward transport and coordination with accommodation providers all form part of the end-to-end service that Saudi authorities are working to refine.

Practical tips for pilgrims flying into Jeddah

  • Allow extra time during peak seasons. Ramadan and the post-Hajj reopening windows bring heavy volumes, so build in a buffer for arrival and processing.
  • Keep documents accessible. Have your passport, visa details and any permit confirmations from the Nusuk app ready for a faster passage through the airport.
  • Arrange onward transport in advance. Confirm how you will travel from Jeddah to Makkah, whether through your package provider or an approved transport service, before you land.
  • Check which airport you are using. Some pilgrims fly instead into Madinah; confirm your arrival city so you plan the correct onward route.
  • Stay hydrated and rest on arrival. After a long flight, a short rest before beginning rituals helps pilgrims cope with the heat and exertion.

With nearly 28.55 million passengers already handled by the end of July, Jeddah's main airport is on course for another high-volume year, reflecting the steady flow of pilgrims to the holy cities and the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to keep pace with demand.