Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a remarkable show of logistical readiness, Saudi Arabia has launched extensive preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. This ensures a smooth, safe, and efficient journey for the millions of pilgrims expected to visit the Holy Cities. The Kingdom is mobilizing its full transportation network, including over 25,000 buses, 9,000 taxis, and thousands of flights and train services. That is part of a comprehensive national plan led by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.
Unified Transportation Plan for Millions of Pilgrims
Under a unified national transportation strategy, Saudi Arabia is integrating air, land, sea, and rail operations to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims. To deliver a seamless travel experience, authorities are working tirelessly to coordinate efforts across multiple agencies and transport hubs.
Air Travel: Over 3 Million Seats Ready
The skies are set to be busy, with more than 3 million seats available for inbound and outbound Hajj flights. Saudia Airlines will operate 2,000 flights, while Flynas will contribute 294 flights to meet rising demand.
Saudi airports are already ramping up capacity to handle the surge, focusing on efficiency, passenger comfort, and swift processing times.
High-Speed Rail and Metro: Moving Thousands at 300 km/h
Ground travel is equally prioritized. The Haramain High-Speed Railway will connect the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, offering comfortable journeys at speeds reaching 300 km/h. In addition, the Al Mashair Metro will run 2,000 trips, ensuring that pilgrims can travel between the sacred sites quickly and safely during the core Hajj rituals.
Road Network and Port Readiness
To support land transport, over 7,400 kilometres of roads have been maintained and upgraded. Meanwhile, the Jeddah Islamic Port stands ready to welcome 5,000 pilgrims arriving by sea, with streamlined processing and improved facilities.
Supporting Services: Saudi Post and Emergency Response
Behind the scenes, Saudi Post will provide last-mile delivery services for two months, ensuring that pilgrims receive essential items and communications without delay. Additionally, emergency response teams will remain on 24/7 alert throughout the Hajj period, safeguarding the well-being of all visitors.
A Global Effort with a Spiritual Mission
These large-scale preparations underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. By combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with strategic coordination, the Kingdom is not only honouring its role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites but also raising the bar for pilgrim safety, hospitality, and comfort.