ALBAWABA- Saudi Arabia has approved plans to build Makkah's first international airport, marking a historic step in modernizing infrastructure in Islam’s holiest city.
Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, confirmed the decision in remarks published by Harvard Business Review Arabia. He said feasibility studies have been completed and strategic and investment frameworks approved, with the project set to be developed in partnership with the private sector to international standards.
The airport is intended to serve both residents and millions of annual pilgrims while maintaining operational balance with nearby King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Officials said the project forms part of a broader transport overhaul, including plans for a metro system in Makkah.
The new airport is expected to significantly ease pilgrimage travel. Currently, most Hajj and Umrah pilgrims arrive via Jeddah, about 80 kilometres away, requiring road transfers that can exceed 90 minutes during peak periods.
A dedicated airport in Makkah would cut travel times, reduce highway congestion, and relieve pressure on Jeddah’s facilities, which handle millions of pilgrims each year.
For worshippers, the development is set to improve safety and convenience, allowing more time for key rituals such as Tawaf, Sa’i, and prayers, particularly during Ramadan and the Hajj season, when overcrowding is common.
The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader modernization goals under Vision 2030, aiming to enhance the pilgrim experience while preserving the holy city's spiritual character.
