MAKKAH: A total of 62 air carriers operated 3,314 Hajj flights this season, transporting pilgrims from 238 destinations across 71 countries, according to Saleh Al-Zuwaid, spokesman for the Hajj Transport and Logistics System.
Speaking at a press conference at the Hajj Media Operations Center in Makkah on Monday, Al-Zuwaid highlighted the high level of operational efficiency in receiving and facilitating the movement of pilgrims, contributing to the smooth arrival process.
Al-Zuwaid also provided updates on the Haramain High Speed Rail, stating that 4,700 train trips have been scheduled throughout the Hajj season, with a capacity of up to 2 million passengers, an increase of 400,000 seats compared to last year. Trips between King Abdulaziz International Airport Station and Makkah rose by 75 percent, now averaging one trip per hour. By Sunday, around 700,000 passengers had used the Haramain train service.
Regarding the Mashaer Train, more than 2,000 trips are expected to operate during the seven-day Hajj period, transporting over 2 million pilgrims between the holy sites.
Al-Zuwaid also announced that the use of road cooling technology at the holy sites expanded by 82 percent this year. The technology has proven effective in reducing surface temperatures by up to 12 degrees Celsius, especially around the Namirah Mosque and other key locations.
Meanwhile, Saad Al-Shanbari, spokesman for the Hajj Communications and Technology System, reported that 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites reached 99 percent. Internet speeds increased to 264 megabits per second, a 10 percent rise from last year. In Makkah and Madinah alone, average speeds reached 336 megabits per second, marking a 19 percent improvement.
Al-Shanbari added that over 10,000 Wi-Fi access points have been deployed across key Hajj sites, in collaboration with telecom providers. He also noted the successful use of artificial intelligence for crowd management, including a pilot project using HAI surveillance cameras in partnership with Aramco.
