Jeddah: Matarat Holding Company announced that over 3.4 million Umrah pilgrims and travelers have passed through four Saudi airports from the beginning of Ramadan until the 18th of the holy month. The airports are King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, and Taif International Airport.

According to Saudi Press Agency, passenger traffic statistics reveal that 2,403,146 travelers moved through international flights, while 1,082,705 passengers traveled on domestic routes. The total number of flights recorded during the period reached 20,038, including 12,699 international flights and 7,339 domestic ones.

As part of efforts to enhance the travel experience in Saudi airports, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah introduced 70 electronic self-service gates that allow travelers to complete their travel procedures autonomously without human intervention. The initiative was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports; Matarat Holding; and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA).

The electronic gates are designed to streamline and accelerate passenger processing through advanced technology and artificial intelligence, enabling travelers to complete their procedures quickly and securely. The gates are located in Terminal 1 and the Executive Office facilities, with a capacity of 2,500 passengers per gate, allowing the airport to serve up to 175,000 travelers daily.

In anticipation of the peak Umrah season for 1446 AH, Saudi airports have ramped up operational readiness, with Matarat Holding and its subsidiaries working around the clock to ensure seamless and efficient travel services. The efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to enhance the quality of services provided to guests.