Air Travel Leads as Saudi Releases Data of Pilgrims’ Entry Routes
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Saudi Arabian authorities have released fresh statistics showing that air transportation remains the leading mode of entry for pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Wednesday that more than 860,000 pilgrims have so far entered Saudi Arabia through the country’s various air, land and sea entry points as preparations continue for the annual religious exercise.
According to the figures released by the ministry, over 820,000 pilgrims arrived by air, representing the overwhelming majority of those already in the Kingdom for Hajj.
The data also showed that more than 35,000 pilgrims entered through land border crossings, while over 4,000 others arrived through sea ports.
The ministry said the growing number of arrivals reflects the extensive operational arrangements put in place to facilitate smooth movement and reception of pilgrims from across the world.
Saudi authorities noted that airports across the Kingdom have continued to handle a high volume of international arrivals efficiently through enhanced digital systems, crowd management measures and coordinated transportation services linking pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah.
The ministry further disclosed that more than 240,000 pilgrims benefited from the Makkah Route Initiative, a program designed to simplify travel procedures for pilgrims before departure from their home countries.
Under the initiative, pilgrims’ complete immigration, customs and health screening processes at designated airports in their countries of origin, allowing for faster entry upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Officials described the initiative as one of the Kingdom’s major efforts aimed at improving the overall Hajj experience and reducing congestion at entry points during the pilgrimage season.
Saudi Arabia continues to intensify preparations for the 2026 Hajj as millions of Muslims from different parts of the world are expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage, which stands as one of the five pillars of Islam.
