Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) has witnessed over 5 million Umrah pilgrims arrive and depart since the beginning of the Umrah season on November 1, said a report

A total of 2,588,357 pilgrims arrived and almost the same numbers departed, said a report in  Saudi  Gazette citing Turki Al-Dheeb, director of the airport’s department of information and public relations. 

To cope with the rise in traveller numbers, all Umrah flights "will be directed to Haj Terminal so as to expedite the immigration process", Al-Dheeb said.

“We are coordinating with all the concerned departments at the airport to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims,” he added.

Air traffic has been further augmented by the entry of new air companies which are operating domestic and international flights to and from the airport, the report said.

According to Dheeb, the lounges of the Haj Terminal can accommodate up to 1,800 pilgrims an hour and are fully equipped to receive and serve all arriving and departing pilgrims.

Meanwhile a total of 4,154,069 pilgrims arrived in Madinah since the beginning of the Umrah season.

Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah received 6,546 Umrah flights, an increase of about 18.15 per cent over their number last year.

The ministry said four countries — Pakistan (24.61 per cent), Indonesia (15.93 per cent), India (9.34 per cent) and Turkey (7.28 per cent) — received the bulk of Umrah visas issued by Saudi diplomatic and consular missions.