Saudi airspace sets new traffic record during Hajj season
Saudi Arabia's airspace witnessed record-breaking air traffic during the 1446 AH Hajj season, underscoring the scale and success of coordinated national efforts to facilitate the journey of pilgrims. The surge in activity reflects the Kingdom's sustained commitment, under the direction of its leadership, to delivering a safe and seamless Hajj experience from arrival to departure.
The Saudi Air Navigation Services company was instrumental in managing the intense operational demands, deploying both technical infrastructure and skilled personnel to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flows throughout the season.
A total of more than 140,000 domestic and international air movements were recorded during the arrival and departure phases—an 8 per cent increase compared to the previous year. During the arrival period, from Dhu Al-Qidah 1 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 8, 1446 AH, air movements surged by 15 per cent year-on-year to reach 74,902. The departure phase, spanning Dhu Al-Hijjah 23 to Muharram 15, 1447 AH, saw 66,072 flights, reflecting a 2 per cent increase.
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A single-day record was set on Dhu Al-Hijjah 2, 1446 AH, with 2,338 air traffic movements—up 4% from the same date last year.
The company extended its air navigation services to 213 airlines, showcasing the growing number of international partnerships and the expanding global connectivity through Saudi airspace during the pilgrimage season.
This strong operational performance highlights the advanced preparedness of the Kingdom's air navigation sector, reinforcing its strategic role in managing critical peak seasons such as Hajj with precision and reliability.
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