Latest news with #PrinceMohammadbinAbdulazizInternationalAirport
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Time Business News
Medina Hotel to Medina Airport: Your Complete Guide
Leaving Medina—the city of the Prophet ﷺ—is always an emotional moment for pilgrims and travelers. Whether you're heading to your next destination or returning home, your ride from your Medina hotel to Medina Airport should be smooth, simple, and worry-free. Let's guide you through every step so your final moments in this blessed city are filled with peace, not stress. Distance and Travel TimeHow Far Is Medina Airport from the City Center? Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) is located roughly 15 to 20 kilometers from the central hotel areas near Masjid al-Nabawi. Travel Time Based on Hotel Location Expect a journey of 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your hotel's exact location. Best Transportation OptionsPrivate Taxis Easily available and convenient. Most hotels have taxis waiting nearby, or you can hail one from the street. Ride-Hailing Apps (Careem, Uber) Popular in Medina and often cheaper than hotel-arranged transport. These services also allow you to track the car and fare estimate. Hotel-Arranged Transfers Many 3 to 5-star hotels offer airport shuttles—either included in your stay or for an additional fee. Public Transportation Not recommended for pilgrims with luggage or time constraints. Buses are limited and may not be available near your hotel. Why Choose a Private Taxi or Umrah CabComfort and Privacy Ideal for families, elderly pilgrims, or those with a lot of luggage. Air-conditioned and spacious rides add comfort. Timely Pickup Most professional services arrive on time and drop you off well before your flight. Ideal for Early or Late Flights Private cabs are available 24/7, unlike some shared or public options. Booking Your RideOnline Booking Services Use websites or apps for scheduling a pickup in advance. Choose based on ratings, pricing, and vehicle types. Phone Reservations Many companies offer bookings via WhatsApp or a quick call, especially for English/Urdu-speaking travelers. Booking Through Hotel Reception Hotel staff can arrange reliable taxis for you with fixed fares and trusted drivers. Travel Tips for a Smooth TripLeave Early to Avoid Delays Plan to leave at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight, especially during busy hours or prayer times. Confirm Your Terminal MED has both domestic and international terminals—check your airline and terminal in advance. Keep ID and Passport Ready Have your passport, visa, and airline ticket easily accessible when you reach the airport. Average Fare from Medina Hotel to Medina AirportTaxi and Private Cab Costs Expect to pay SAR 50 to SAR 100, depending on the type of service and time of day. Fare Differences Based on Distance Hotels closer to the airport (e.g., outside the Haram zone) will naturally cost less. Tips for Budget Travelers Use ride-sharing apps for fare transparency Travel with friends or family to split costs Avoid last-minute bookings that often carry surcharges What to Expect During the RideRoad Conditions in Medina Smooth and well-maintained highways ensure a comfortable trip. Traffic Patterns Around Prayer Times Plan to leave after Salah or well before Adhan, especially in the central Haram area, where traffic can get dense. Safety and Peace of MindChoosing Licensed Services Always verify the cab has proper license and markings. Avoid unmarked or suspicious vehicles. Women and Family-Safe Options Some services specialize in family and female travelers with respectful, trained drivers. Extra Services You Can RequestChild Seats If you're traveling with kids, ask the service in advance for child seats (extra fee may apply). Assistance with Luggage Most cab drivers are helpful and can assist with loading/unloading luggage. Multilingual Drivers Some services offer English or Urdu-speaking drivers, making communication easier for international guests. Environmentally Friendly OptionsHybrid or Electric Cabs in Medina Some cab services now offer eco-friendly vehicles for sustainable travel—great if you're environmentally conscious. Making the Most of Your Final Moments in MedinaDuas Before Departure Recite duas for travel and reflect on your time spent near the Prophet's ﷺ resting place. Reflecting on the Spiritual Journey This final ride is your chance to reflect, make dhikr, and thank Allah for granting you the honor of visiting this holy city. Conclusion Traveling from your Medina hotel to Medina Airport doesn't have to be stressful. With the right planning and a reliable cab service, you can enjoy a peaceful and convenient transfer that respects both your time and your spiritual journey. Book in advance, leave early, and keep your focus on the blessings you've received rather than logistical worries. FAQs How far is Medina Airport from the city? Around 15–20 km from central hotel areas. Travel time is usually 20–30 minutes. Is it better to book a cab in advance? Yes. Pre-booking avoids last-minute stress and ensures availability—especially for early flights. What time should I leave for my flight? Leave at least 2–3 hours before your scheduled departure time, depending on traffic and distance. Can I get a cab early in the morning? Yes. Many cab services operate 24/7, ideal for dawn or midnight departures. Are taxis in Medina safe? Absolutely, especially if you use licensed or hotel-arranged cab services. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudia concludes 2025 Hajj season operations as last pilgrims depart
Madinah: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has officially concluded its 2025 Hajj season operations with the departure of its final Hajj dedicated flight, SV5122, to Kertajati in the Republic of Indonesia. The flight carried 405 pilgrims and departed from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The farewell ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Saudia, Taiba Airports Operation Company, and key stakeholders from across the Hajj ecosystem. Mohammad Baakdah, Vice President of Ground Operations at Saudia, said: 'Serving pilgrims during Hajj is our greatest honor at Saudia. It is a responsibility we embrace with unwavering dedication. Guided by the Kingdom's leadership, we are committed to delivering seamless journeys and exceptional service that reflect the spiritual significance of this sacred pilgrimage.' He added: 'Several key enablers contributed to the success of this Hajj season, foremost among them, the dedication and expertise of our people. Combined with advanced digital systems and decades of operational experience during peak seasons, these strengths enabled us to deliver efficient, punctual, and seamless airport experiences for all pilgrims.' Throughout the season, Saudia operated flights from four continents, encompassing both scheduled and dedicated Hajj flights. In addition to streamlined booking and check-in through its digital platforms, Saudia provided an elevated onboard experience, featuring curated in-flight hospitality and multilingual entertainment content to guide pilgrims through Hajj rituals and travel procedures. About Saudia: Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines. Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet with 148 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012. Saudia was recently recognized as the World's Most Improved Airline 2024 by Skytrax, marking the third time it has received this accolade, alongside 14 other distinguished awards. Saudia has also been awarded the "World Class Airline 2024" for the third consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Additionally, also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium.
Gulf Insider
11-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Warns Pilgrims: Leave Before Hajj Visa Expires Or Face Penalties
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on all pilgrims to leave the Kingdom before the expiration of their Hajj visas, highlighting the importance of respecting regulations and avoiding legal consequences associated with overstaying. In an official statement, the ministry said that timely departure is not only a legal obligation but also a respect for the Kingdom's regulations and the annual pilgrimage season. 'Abiding by the designated departure period preserves the integrity of Hajj procedures and ensures ongoing facilitation for all guests of God,' the ministry said. The ministry further stressed that pilgrims must comply with all relevant laws, use their visas strictly for the purposes of Hajj, and avoid any involvement with unlicensed agents or activities beyond the permitted period. Failure to comply could result in legal penalties or future travel restrictions. Government authorities have launched an extensive departure operation, with the General Directorate of Passports deploying staff and advanced technologies across all international air, land, and sea exit points. 'We have mobilized personnel and security systems to ensure an efficient and orderly exit process for pilgrims,' the directorate said. In the Medina Region, local authorities have started farewelling pilgrims departing via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Many are spending time in the city after Hajj to visit the Prophet's Mosque before returning home. To streamline the process, a dedicated program coordinates transfers from residences to the airport, overseen by the regional Hajj and Visit Committee. The airport saw significant traffic during the pre-Hajj phase, welcoming 719,400 pilgrims, nearly half of all air-arriving Hajj pilgrims this year on 1,910 flights from 196 cities across 53 countries. That figure represented 60 percent of all Hajj-related flights arriving at Saudi airports this season.
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Arab News
First flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Turkiye land in Saudi Arabia
Madinah: The first flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Turkiye arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Wednesday. The annual Islamic pilgrimage is set to take place this year between June 4 and 9. Authorities are providing qualified staff who are fluent in several languages and equipped with the latest technology to help simplify entry procedures for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported, and are ready to assist people arriving by land and sea as well as air. An estimated 1.8 million pilgrims participated in Hajj last year.
Arabian Business
15-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia religious tourism surges 55% as Makkah, Madinah flights soar: Skyscanner
Saudi Arabia's religious tourism sector continues to expand rapidly, with new data from travel comparison site Skyscanner showing substantial increases in flight searches to the Kingdom's holy cities. Inbound flight searches to Saudi Arabia increased by 55 per cent year-on-year between 2023 and 2024, while January 2025 has already recorded a 21 per cent rise compared to January 2024, according to the report. Saudi Arabia's pilgrimage boom The data highlights the impact of major religious events on travel patterns. The busiest search day in 2024 was March 13, coinciding with preparations for Ramadan. March 2024 saw an 11.6 per cent surge in travel interest compared to February, while January and March 2024 recorded increases of 69 per cent and 66 per cent respectively. Looking ahead to 2025, peak travel interest centres around early March, with March 2 and March 7 emerging as the most searched-for arrival dates. The week beginning February 3, 2025 showed a 49 per cent increase in searches compared to the previous week, indicating strong early-year demand as Ramadan approaches. Madinah has become a focal point for pilgrimage travel, with searches for flights to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport rising by 54 per cent year-on-year. Air connectivity gaps persist Despite the growth, Skyscanner's data reveals a gap in direct air connectivity to key religious destinations. Manchester and London Heathrow top the list of unserved routes with high demand for direct flights to Madinah. The growth in religious tourism aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's economy. Infrastructure projects such as the Makkah Route Initiative and the Haramain High-Speed Railway are underway to improve the pilgrim experience. Industry experts suggest that expanding direct flight routes and offering more flexible booking options will be essential to accommodate the increasing number of religious travellers.
