King Abdulaziz International Airport witnesses huge spike in annual passenger traffic

JEDDAH: The King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ranks among the busiest airports in the world.

It processes over 161,000 passengers daily, managing around 817 flights. The airport also handles more than 132,000 pieces of luggage every day.

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The King Abdulaziz International Airport is located in the conservative kingdom’s capital. It serves as an important entry point for the pilgrims traveling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina.

It is busiest during the holy pilgrimage, Hajj, season, as the airport’s position helps the movement of millions of pilgrims visiting the country.

In 2019, KAIA welcomed over 30 million passengers, serving as an important entry point for religious tourism.

The airport was established in 1981. Since then, it was undergone several expansions to accommodate increasing passenger volumes.

The King Abdulaziz International Airport features three terminals: the Hajj terminal, dedicated to pilgrims and two other for domestic and international flights.

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The Hajj terminal is known for its distinctive architectural design, inspired by Islamic motifs. It can accommodate up to 80,000 passengers during peak season.

In years, KAIA invested heavily in modernising its facilities to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency. The airport offers a range of amenities, including lounges, shopping areas and dining options tailored to diverse travelers.

Advanced technology for baggage handling and security screening have also been implemented to ensure a seamless travel experience.

The airport also serves as an important hub for cargo operations, and a key logistics centre for businesses transporting goods to and from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

Its cargo terminal is equipped to handle a wide array of freight, including perishables, pharmaceuticals and electronics.

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Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify its economy as the world moves towards renewable sources of energy, KAIA is set to expand further  to boost tourism.

The Saudi government is planning to improve the airport’s capacity and infrastructure to accommodate growing number of travelers and cargo shipments.