By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Makkah Deputy Governor Prince Saud bin Mishaal has inspected preparations for the Hajj season during a field visit to the Hajj and Umrah terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

The visit focused on reviewing the airport’s readiness to receive pilgrims and ensure smooth operations during the upcoming pilgrimage season.

Prince Saud was accompanied by Raed Al-Mudaiheem, chairman of Jeddah Airports Company, Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar, as well as security and operational officials.

During the inspection, he toured security checkpoints, screening procedures, and ongoing development work at the Hajj and Umrah halls aimed at expanding capacity and improving services.

He also visited the operations centre, where officials briefed him on crowd management systems and technologies being used to support the movement of pilgrims through the airport.

The deputy governor reviewed electronic gate systems introduced to speed up arrival and departure procedures, along with passport and customs facilities designed to ease clearance for travellers.

He later inspected waiting lounges and service areas prepared for pilgrims before they are transported to the holy sites in Makkah.

The tour ended with a meeting of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, where officials discussed operational plans and coordination among relevant agencies to improve services during Hajj.

The inspection forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to ensure a safe and organised pilgrimage season for millions of worshippers arriving from around the world.

Source: Arab News