Jeddah Airports approves 2022 Umrah season operational plan: CEO

Jeddah Airports Co. CEO Ayman Abo Abah

Jeddah Airports Co. approved the operational plan for the 2022 Umrah season, with a prime focus on accommodation capacity at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) terminals, operating rates, as well as staffing, Saudi Press Agency reported, citing. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ayman Abo Abah.

The operational plan includes preparations to receive the Umrah performers during the period from Muharram 1 (Aug. 30, 2022) until Dhul-Qa'dah 28, 1444 (June 17, 2023), while implementing the criteria approved by around 27 government and security concerned entities.

The plan also focuses on the optimum capitalization of all possibilities to ensure flexibility and mobility around the clock.

According to the plan, KAIA would accommodate 750,000 Umrah performers per month this year, with the company operating Hajj and Umrah Terminals, Terminal 1 and the North Terminal to serve Umrah performers this year, Abah stated.

 These terminals accommodate 60-70% of Umrah performers with a total size of 1.3 million square meters.  Nearly 30% of Umrah performers will be received through Terminal 1, 10% from the North Terminal, which has a capacity of 127,000 worshippers per day. The Hajj and Umrah terminals span 510,000 square meters.

The company seeks to boost the accommodation capacity after approving the master plan of Terminals 2 and 3, accounting for 30% of passengers, the CEO noted.