Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia’s airspace sets new record with over 140,000 flights | World News
TL;DR:
- Saudi Arabia’s airspace recorded over 140,000 domestic and international air movements during
Hajj 1446 AH (2025), an 8% increase from last year. - Key operational milestones included a single-day record of 2,338
air traffic movements and 74,902 arrivals in the lead-up to Hajj—reflecting major advances in capacity, coordination, and efficiency. - The
Saudi Air Navigation Services company managed airspace for 213 airlines, underscoring broad international participation and the Kingdom’s crucial logistical role in the pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia set historic records for air traffic during the Hajj 1446 AH (2025) season, highlighting the success and scale of its national coordination to facilitate millions of pilgrim journeys. According to official sources, the Kingdom handled more than 140,000 flights (both domestic and international) throughout the arrival and departure periods, reflecting an 8% year-on-year increase in volume as per Saudi Press Agency.
Key metrics
- Arrival Phase (Dhu Al-Qidah 1: Dhu Al-Hijjah 8, 1446 AH): 74,902 air movements were recorded, representing a 15% jump over the prior year.
- Departure Phase (Dhu Al-Hijjah 23: Muharram 15, 1447 AH): 66,072 flights took place, marking a 2% increase year-on-year
- Single-Day Peak: On Dhu Al-Hijjah 2, 1446 AH, airspace witnessed 2,338 aircraft movements, a new daily record and a 4% rise over the most comparable day in 2024.
- Airlines & Connectivity: The season saw Saudi air navigation services provided to 213 airlines, further expanding the reach and diversity of international air corridors through the Kingdom during Hajj.
The Saudi Air Navigation Services company (SANS) played a central role by deploying advanced technical infrastructure and highly skilled air traffic controllers, engineers, and maintenance teams. This sophisticated operational response ensured safety, seamless air traffic flows, and the efficient passage of pilgrims across all major Saudi airports.
Strategic significance
- Readiness for Peak Seasons: The record numbers highlight the Kingdom’s preparedness for managing the world’s largest annual religious movement, underpinned by robust national planning and technological upgrades in air navigation.
- Expanding Global Partnerships: By serving 213 separate airlines, Saudi Arabia underscored its increasing international aviation connectivity and its vital role as a gateway for Muslim pilgrims worldwide.
- Support for Hajj Objectives: These air traffic records reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to delivering a safe, smooth, and efficient journey for all pilgrims, enhancing the spiritual and logistical success of Hajj.
Hajj 1446 AH marked a milestone not only in the spiritual journey of millions but also in the operational excellence of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. By managing record-breaking air traffic with over 140,000 flights, including a single-day peak of more than 2,300 movements, the Kingdom showcased its sophisticated infrastructure, skilled personnel, and strategic coordination.This remarkable achievement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating a seamless, safe, and efficient pilgrimage experience, strengthening its position as a global hub for religious travel and international air connectivity. As the Kingdom continues to advance its preparedness and cooperation with international airlines, future Hajj seasons are poised to reach even greater heights of operational success and pilgrim satisfaction.
