SAUDIA Group has unveiled its operational plan for Hajj Season 2024, aiming to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims from around the world while streamlining procedures and providing top-notch services at various locations. This plan, spanning 74 days and covering both inbound and outbound travel, will ensure that over 1.2 million seats are available through optimal fleet management. SAUDIA will leverage its more than 150 aircraft, renowned for their operational efficiency and quality service, in alignment with the directives of Saudi leadership.
Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the fifth pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj season started on May 9th, 2024, and continues for 74 days. To ensure a seamless operation, SAUDIA Group has established specialised teams dedicated to performance monitoring, terminal operations, coordination, and follow-up. Operational resources have been strategically allocated across the lounges of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and an emergency plan has been developed in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Additionally, virtual simulations have been conducted at both Jeddah and Madinah international airports.
Welcoming Pilgrims Across Five Domestic Airports
SAUDIA Group will welcome pilgrims through five domestic airports, including Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Yanbu. More than 11,000 frontline employees and aircraft maintenance technicians will be on hand to ensure a smooth flow of movement at the airports and maintain operational efficiency. The airline will also serve 120,000 pilgrims through the “Makkah Route” initiative, designed to streamline the immigration process for pilgrims heading to Makkah. Moreover, SAUDIA’s “Luggage First” service will handle 270,000 bags and 240,000 Zamzam bottles.
“The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia is honored to continue its pivotal role in serving pilgrims, ensuring their spiritual journey is enriched in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Each year, we integrate the efforts across all sectors as we strive to enhance pilgrims’ satisfaction by implementing initiatives that streamline arrival procedures and airport check-in processes”, said Amer Al Khushail, CEO of Saudia Hajj and Umrah.
“In preparation for the Hajj season, Saudia is committed to signing agreements with government delegations and travel agents, to ensure providing appropriate seat capacity for markets with high demand across over a hundred destinations in four continents. We offer seamless bookings through Saudia’s offices and online channels, we have also designed awareness campaigns regarding luggage acceptance criteria.” added Al Khashil.
In preparation for the Hajj season, SAUDIA is committed to signing agreements with government delegations and travel agents to ensure sufficient seat capacity for high-demand markets across more than 100 destinations on four continents. Seamless bookings will be available through SAUDIA’s offices and online channels. The airline has also designed awareness campaigns regarding luggage acceptance criteria.
SAUDIA has launched several initiatives to enhance the pilgrims’ experience. These include issuing outbound and inbound boarding passes. The airline’s multilingual staff, proficient in more than 30 languages, will ensure efficient service delivery to the highest standards. Additionally, diverse meal options onboard cater to all tastes.
The company’s aircraft have been specially equipped for Hajj, featuring screens that will display announcements of Miqat (a boundary for pilgrims to start intent for the performance of Ḥajj) and prayer times. These screens also offer over 300,000 minutes of Islamic content aimed at educating pilgrims on rituals and Kingdom regulations, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
SAUDIA prioritises accessibility by providing transport for individuals with disabilities, as well as medical stretchers and oxygen equipment onboard when needed. Additionally, the airline continues to offer its luggage collection service from pilgrims’ residences, simplifying travel procedures for return flights after the pilgrimage rites.
A useful resource – the Accor guide to Hajj: https://makkah-madinah.accor.com/hajj-omra-guides/hajj-guide/
Photo – top of page: Jamarat bridge – photo Aiman Titi
