MAKKAH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense will deploy a fleet of aerial evacuation aircraft to handle emergency medical cases during the Hajj season, which begins on June 4.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the aircraft will provide advanced ambulance services to transport critical cases from pilgrimage sites to hospitals both within and outside Makkah.
Each aircraft is equipped with intensive care unit-level medical equipment and staffed by trained personnel.
The ministry’s medical and logistical teams will manage the evacuation operations in coordination with the Ministry of Health to ensure rapid response during the pilgrimage.
This year's Hajj is expected to draw approximately 1.25 million pilgrims, who will travel between Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat between June 4 and 9.
The deployment of air ambulances is part of a wider range of health and safety measures implemented by Saudi authorities. On Monday, officials also announced the use of drones to deliver medical supplies, including over 2,000 types of medications, to more than 136 locations. The new drone system is expected to reduce delivery times from an hour to just six minutes.
