Saudi Arabia’s airspace experienced unprecedented levels of traffic during the 1446 AH Hajj Air Traffic season, recording more than 140,000 domestic and international air movements across the pilgrimage’s arrival and departure phases. This historic performance underlines the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s national coordination efforts and strategic commitment to ensuring a safe, efficient, and seamless experience for millions of pilgrims.
The Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) company played a pivotal role in managing this surge in air traffic, deploying a comprehensive operational framework supported by advanced technical infrastructure and highly trained personnel. This enabled the smooth handling of intense air traffic volumes throughout the peak Hajj Air Traffic travel periods.
Success Rate
- During the arrival phase—spanning from Dhu Al-Qidah 1 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 8, 1446 AH—air traffic surged to 74,902 movements, representing a significant 15% increase compared to the same period last year.
- The departure phase, which extended from Dhu Al-Hijjah 23 to Muharram 15, 1447 AH, registered 66,072 movements, marking a year-on-year increase of 2%.
- A notable milestone was reached on Dhu Al-Hijjah 2, 1446 AH, when Saudi airspace witnessed a single-day record of 2,338 air traffic movements. This figure represents a 4% increase from the same date in the previous year and reflects the heightened demand and operational efficiency during peak pilgrimage days.
Increasing Global Connectivity
SANS extended its services to 213 airlines during the Hajj Air Traffic season, a clear indication of the Kingdom’s growing global connectivity and its expanding portfolio of international aviation partnerships. The record number of airlines operating in Saudi airspace is a testament to the trust placed in the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure and its capacity to handle large-scale, high-pressure operations with precision.
The company’s strong operational performance throughout the Hajj Air Traffic period reinforces the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia’s air navigation sector in managing critical travel seasons. The successful handling of the record air traffic demonstrates the sector’s advanced preparedness, technical competency, and its key role in supporting the country’s broader vision for global connectivity and service excellence.
These achievements also underscore Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts, under the guidance of its leadership, to deliver a world-class pilgrimage experience that begins the moment pilgrims depart their home countries. By ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel to and from the Kingdom, the aviation sector continues to play a vital role in supporting religious tourism and aligning with national objectives outlined in Vision 2030.
It highlights the country’s ability to manage complex airspace logistics during one of the world’s largest annual human gatherings.
With the continued support of advanced technology, skilled personnel, and coordinated national planning, Saudi Arabia’s air navigation services are set to meet future challenges and opportunities with the same level of professionalism and excellence demonstrated during this historic Hajj season.
