Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia recorded over 140,000 domestic and international flights during the Hajj 1446 season, reflecting an 8% increase from last year.

From 1 Dhul Qa'dah to 8 Dhul Hijjah, inbound flights totaled 74,902, a 15% jump year-on-year.

Outbound traffic between 23 Dhul Hijjah and 15 Muharram reached 66,072 flights, growing by 2%.

A new single-day record was set on 2 Dhul Hijjah, with 2,338 flights—up 4% from last year.

The Saudi Air Navigation Services Company (SANS) provided services to 213 airlines, underscoring the scale of international partnerships and the diversity of routes crossing Saudi airspace during the season.

This operational peak was supported by a network of advanced air navigation systems, staffed around the clock by highly trained Saudi air traffic controllers, engineers, and technicians across monitoring centers and maintenance hubs.

The efficient handling of high-volume traffic during the pilgrimage reflects the country's aviation readiness and integrated coordination among national agencies serving pilgrims.