Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Prince Saud bin Mishal, Deputy Emir of Makkah region and Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, visited the Hajj and Umrah terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Friday.

The visit aimed to ensure the smooth operation of services provided to pilgrims by various government and operational entities at the airport, facilitating the procedures for travelers arriving to perform Hajj 1445 AH.

Prince Saud's tour was accompanied by Major General Suleiman Al-Yahya, Director General of Passports, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Dr. Abdul Fattah Mashat, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Raed Al-Madihim, Chairman of Jeddah Airports Company, and several airport and security leaders.

The visit began with an inspection of the security procedures area for passengers and the 143 passport control platforms, customs area with 31 inspection devices, as well as other security and operational sites at the airport.

Prince Saud also visited the health center in the Hajj and Umrah terminals, observing efforts to intensify health awareness among pilgrims through the distribution of informational brochures and displaying educational programs on terminal screens to ensure pilgrims' adherence to health guidelines.

Additionally, he received a briefing on the baggage handling area for groups, spanning over 35,000 square meters with 24 external loading bays, designed to facilitate smooth travel and transfer of pilgrims' luggage to their accommodations in Makkah and the holy sites.

Prince Saud inspected the "Pilgrim Without Luggage" initiative area and the air-conditioned halls in the public area, as well as the locations of the various government entities operating at the airport.

During the tour, the Deputy emir welcomed the pilgrims arriving from the "Makkah Route" initiative flight from Surabaya, Indonesia, which carried 400 pilgrims, and presented them with gifts.