MAKKAH, 3 February — King Abdul Aziz Airport’s Haj Terminal, which can accommodate 80,000 pilgrims at a time, has geared up for the peak Haj season when about 250 flights carrying pilgrims arrive at the airport daily from different parts of the Islamic world.
KAIA is the main gateway of pilgrims coming to Makkah for the Haj pilgrimage as about 80 percent of them arrive at this facility, which covers an area of 1.5 square kilometers.
The Presidency of Civil Aviation recently expanded Prince Muhammad Airport in Madinah to accommodate 16,400 pilgrims daily. The airport expansion will facilitate transportation of pilgrims to Madinah, especially during the Haj season.
Meanwhile, the General Car Syndicate has said that it has readied 12,500 buses — including luxury coaches — to transport pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah and other holy sites during the Haj season.
In a press statement, the syndicate said there are 11 Saudi companies involved in pilgrim transportation. These companies employ 16,000 drivers and technicians.
The syndicate revealed that they have strengthened their Haj fleet by acquiring 833 new buses this year. These 2002 model buses will provide 545,445 seats.
The syndicate transports more than 1.2 million pilgrims during the Haj season.
