GazetteRecord
Madinah airport expansion to raise capacity to 18 million by October 2027
Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport project will more than double current passenger handling from 8 million.
The expansion project at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah is scheduled for completion in October 2027, raising annual passenger capacity to 18 million from 8 million. The project timeline and capacity figures were disclosed at the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah on 9 November 2026.
Jeddah airport handled 52 million passengers#
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah processed 52 million passengers in the previous year. Development projects at the airport include upgrading Terminal 4 to handle more than 15 million passengers, expanding Hajj terminals to accommodate 16 million passengers, and enlarging Terminal 1. The authority disclosed the figures during the conference panel session.
Baggage programme served 4.5 million pilgrims#
The Traveler without a bag programme has served nearly 4.5 million pilgrims since its launch approximately four years ago, handling about 6.7 million bags through direct transport from accommodation to aircraft. The initiative forms part of measures to reduce waiting times and streamline travel procedures. Group travel services, electronic gates and the Makkah Route initiative have been expanded alongside the baggage handling programme.
Electronic gates process passport control under one minute#
Automated pathways and electronic gates at airports enable pilgrims to complete passport control procedures in under one minute. Airlines are evaluated based on their commitment to passenger service standards. The automation measures apply across six airports serving pilgrims year-round, according to statements made at the conference.
Terminal capacity increases support pilgrim volumes#
The combined terminal developments at King Abdulaziz International Airport will add capacity for more than 31 million passengers across Terminal 4 and the Hajj terminals. The expansion at Madinah airport will contribute an additional 10 million passengers to the current 8 million capacity. Both projects are scheduled for completion by October 2027, with the timeline disclosed during the 9 November 2026 conference session.
Sources4 sources across 1 domain
- saudigazette.com.saSaudi GazetteMadinah airport expansion project completion scheduled October 2027, capacity increase to 18 million from 8 million passengers, disclosed at 6th Hajj Conference 9 November 2026
- saudigazette.com.saSaudi GazetteKing Abdulaziz International Airport handled 52 million passengers last year, Terminal 4 upgrade for 15 million passengers, Hajj terminals development for 16 million passengers
- saudigazette.com.saSaudi GazetteTraveler without a bag programme served 4.5 million pilgrims since launch four years ago, handled 6.7 million bags
- saudigazette.com.saSaudi GazetteElectronic gates enable passport control procedures completion in under one minute, automation measures across six airports
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