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His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister—may Allah protect them—on the successful conclusion of the Hajj season for the year 1446 AH.

His Excellency emphasized that this success reflects the wise leadership’s unwavering care and continuous support in serving the Guests of Allah. These efforts are made possible through far-sighted directives and limitless support to all sectors involved in Hajj operations, ensuring pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and tranquility within a fully integrated service system—from their arrival in the Kingdom until departure.

Al-Duailej noted that the civil aviation sector’s arrival-phase operations were executed with high efficiency across 11 terminals in 6 major airports. Over 314,000 pilgrims from 8 countries benefited from the “Makkah Route” initiative, and more than 1.4 million seats were allocated across 10,000+ scheduled and chartered flights by 62 air carriers, including 3,312 dedicated flights at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

He added that joint operational committees within the aviation system have worked around the clock to ensure smooth airport operations and provide safe, streamlined services. Key initiatives included the “Pilgrim Without Baggage” service, aimed at over 750,000 pilgrims and expected to reach 1 million by the end of the departure phase. Additionally, around 850,000 Zamzam water bottles were handled through the baggage drop-off platforms in departure halls, and over 85,000 pilgrims were linked—via Terminal 1 at King Abdulaziz International Airport—to the Haramain High-Speed Railway in coordination with SAR.

He reaffirmed that efforts continue intensively during the departure phase to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience, in line with royal directives and in pursuit of elevating the Hajj experience, in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality of services for pilgrims.

He concluded by praying for the continued health and protection of the Kingdom’s leadership, the prosperity of the nation, and the safe return of all pilgrims to their home countries.