Over 3.4 million travelers, including pilgrims, passed through Saudi Arabia’s airports in the first 18 days of Ramadan, according to data from airport operators.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu, and Taif Airport all saw significant traffic, as reported by Matarat Holding Company. Matarat manages 27 airports across Saudi Arabia.

This surge in travel aligns with Ramadan, which started on March 1, 2025, and marks the peak period for Umrah pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, while Medina hosts the second holiest site, the Prophet’s Mosque.

Passenger traffic analysis revealed that 2.4 million people flew internationally, including both arrivals and departures, across these four airports in the initial 18 days of Ramadan. Domestic flights accounted for an additional 1.08 million passengers.

During this period, the total number of flights amounted to 20,038, including 12,699 international flights.

Saudi airports have ramped up their preparedness and allocated additional resources to support the influx of pilgrims and travelers during the peak Umrah season. As part of these initiatives, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has rolled out an e-gate system featuring 70 gates, streamlining and automating the travel process.

In a bid to enhance tourism, Saudi Arabia introduced a “bag-free passenger” service across all its airports last year. This service enables travelers to handle all travel formalities from home, while their luggage is forwarded to their flight, whether domestic or international.

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