Makkah is set to gain its first international-standard airport and a dedicated metro system, as the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites advances a major transport programme for the holy city. The CEO of the commission, Saleh Al-Rasheed, said approval for the airport had been secured and that feasibility studies for the metro were complete.
The plans address one of Makkah's most persistent challenges: moving millions of pilgrims and residents through a city whose transport network has long depended on buses and road traffic.
An airport built to global standards
According to Al-Rasheed, the strategic and economic investment direction to build a Makkah airport to international standards has been approved. The Royal Commission plans to work with the private sector to create suitable investment models for the project.
Officials stressed that the new airport would be developed without compromising the feasibility of airports in neighbouring cities. Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport remains the main gateway for pilgrims arriving in the western region, and the Makkah project is intended to complement rather than replace existing hubs. Once complete, the airport is expected to welcome millions of visitors directly to the holy city.
A metro to ease pilgrimage traffic
Feasibility studies and initial designs for the Makkah Metro have also been finished. The proposed network would significantly strengthen urban transport in a city where public movement currently relies heavily on buses.
Traffic congestion is one of Makkah's biggest logistical problems during pilgrimage seasons, when the population swells far beyond its permanent size. A metro system would help reduce pressure on roads at these peak times, offering pilgrims a faster and more predictable way to move between key sites.
Smart Makkah and crowd management
Beyond the airport and metro, Al-Rasheed outlined plans to manage crowd movement in and around the Grand Mosque using artificial intelligence. The initiative, known as Smart Makkah, aims to monitor the flow of visitors and improve their experience during the busiest periods.
The commission has set a target of raising satisfaction levels among residents and visitors, reflecting a broader goal of measuring success not only by capacity but by the quality of each pilgrim's experience. Managing crowds around the holy sites is a delicate task, and the use of AI-driven monitoring is intended to help authorities respond to congestion before it becomes dangerous.
Part of a wider transformation
The transport projects sit within a larger programme of urban renewal in Makkah. The Royal Commission has also committed billions of dollars to redevelop city districts, upgrade infrastructure, and expand services around the Grand Mosque. Together, these efforts point to a long-term vision of a holy city better equipped to serve growing numbers of pilgrims each year.
Practical tips
These projects are in their early stages, so pilgrims should plan around current arrangements while watching for updates:
- Continue to plan around Jeddah and Madinah airports. For now, these remain the main arrival points for pilgrims travelling to Makkah.
- Allow extra time for road travel. Until the metro is built, buses and cars remain the primary way to move within the city, especially during peak seasons.
- Follow official announcements. Timelines for large infrastructure projects can shift, so rely on the Royal Commission and Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for confirmed dates.
- Expect gradual change. Airports and metro lines take years to complete, so the benefits will appear over multiple seasons rather than all at once.
The approval marks an important step in reshaping how pilgrims reach and move around Makkah in the years ahead.