JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ranks among the world’s busiest airports.
It handles more than 161,000 passengers every day, managing approximately 817 flights. The airport also handles more than 132,000 pieces of luggage every day.
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King Abdulaziz International Airport is located in the capital of the conservative kingdom. It serves as an important entry point for pilgrims traveling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina.
This is the busiest time during the holy Hajj pilgrimage season because the airport’s location facilitates the movement of millions of pilgrims visiting the country.
In 2019, KAIA welcomed more than 30 million passengers, serving as an important starting point for religious tourism.
The airport was established in 1981. Since then, it has undergone several expansions to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
King Abdulaziz International Airport has three terminals: the Hajj terminal dedicated to pilgrims and two other terminals 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.
Over the years, KAIA has invested heavily in modernizing its facilities to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency. The airport offers a variety of amenities, including lounges, shopping areas and dining options to suit a wide range of travellers.
Advanced technology for baggage handling and security screening has also been deployed to ensure a seamless travel experience.
The airport also serves as an important hub for cargo operations and is an important logistics hub for businesses transporting goods to and from the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Its cargo terminal is equipped to handle a wide range of goods, including perishables, pharmaceuticals and electronics.
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Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify the economy as the world moves towards renewable energy sources, which KAIA is expected to expand further to boost tourism.
The Saudi government is planning to enhance the airport’s capacity and infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of tourists and cargo.