Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The Ministry of Transport and Logistics and its affiliated entities announced their complete readiness for the Hajj season of 2025. The ministry’s comprehensive preparation involves effective coordination and integration across air, sea, land, and rail transport sectors to ensure high-quality services befitting the Kingdom’s role in serving the Two Holy Mosques. This is in accordance with the directives of the Saudi leadership to mobilize all resources to serve the Hajj pilgrims.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) affirmed its readiness to receive pilgrims, stating that it has allocated more than 3 million seats on chartered and scheduled flights for domestic and international pilgrims during arrival and departure phases. Oversight teams have intensified monitoring of performance and quality standards for airports, carriers, and related service providers, ensuring quality services for pilgrims.
Matarat Holding Company announced the completion of its preparations across 11 dedicated pilgrim travel lounges, with over 18,000 employees. High-quality services enriching the pilgrim travel experience and facilitating journeys through Saudi airports are in place, including the "Traveler without baggage" initiative for simplified luggage and Zamzam water pre-shipment from residences.
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) confirmed its full readiness with over 1 million seats and 2,000 flights via its 158-aircraft fleet to serve pilgrims worldwide. Flynas is prepared to transport over 120,000 pilgrims on 294 flights from 15 global destinations, adhering to the highest comfort and smooth arrival standards.
In land transport, the Transport General Authority (TGA) prepared over 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis, supported by 180 operational control supervisors at 20 locations at the entrances of Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, ensuring company compliance with safety and quality standards.
The Roads General Authority completed maintenance on over 7,400 km of roads leading to the holy sites and inspected/maintained 247 bridges for maximum safety. Over 300 road monitors and 20 advanced technologies are deployed for monitoring and surveillance.
In rail transport, the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) prepared over 2,000 trips for Al-Mashair Metro to transport over 2 million passengers between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. The Haramain High Speed Railway, operating with 35 electric trains at 300 km/h, will transport passengers between Makkah and Madinah via three stations, including the King Abdulaziz International Airport station, one of the largest airport-linked train stations in the world.
In maritime transport, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) deployed 436 employees at Jeddah Islamic Port to receive approximately 5,000 pilgrims, organizing reception procedures and logistical services.
Saudi Post (SPL) allocated a two-month working period from 15 Dhu al-Qadah to 15 Muharram, with mobilized resources including 5 SPL GO vehicles and 62 cars for delivery and parcel transport services, in addition to 16 motorcycles and 44 scooters. Some 57 sales outlets were equipped to meet the needs of pilgrims around the clock. In the health sector, SPL provides 16 scooters, three motorcycles, and 35 refrigerated vehicles for the efficient transport of biological samples and medical materials, with its commitment to enhancing the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in improving the experience of pilgrims.
The National Transport Safety Center (NTSC) announced its readiness, implementing a phased operational plan involving human and technical resources to respond to major accidents across all transport modes around the clock from Jeddah, extending to the holy sites during the peak Hajj period.
These comprehensive efforts align with the Kingdom's continuous commitment to enhancing the pilgrim experience and achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in providing exceptional services to the pilgrims from arrival to departure.
