Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) is gearing up for the arrival of more than 2.98 million pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, due to begin next month, said a report.

Airport officials yesterday met with government sectors operating at the airport to discuss operational plans during the influx, said a report in Arab News.

According to the airport’s general director, Essam Nour, the plan aims to ensure the comfort of all pilgrims as well as their safety, starting from their arrival in Jeddah until they board their return flights.

KAIA, located 19 km to the north of downtown Jeddah, is the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia and the kingdom’s third largest, the report said.

The portal, which receives the majority of pilgrims coming via air travel, has been preparing to welcome its guests as soon as they touch down in Jeddah.

Nour confirmed that the operational plan would be launched on August 15, it said.