Some 2.859 million Umrah pilgrims arrived and departed the Kingdom through Jeddah's King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) since the start of Umrah season in the middle of December, according to an airport official. About 1.7 million Umrah pilgrims arrived and nearly 1.159 million departed the Kingdom through the Jeddah airport, said Turki Altheeb, Manager of Public Relations & Media at KAIA. Umrah passengers arrived on 13,046 flights and departed on 6,542 flights, he said, adding that over 7,000 employees have been assigned from the public and private sectors to serve them. A statistical report issued by KAIA said that 18,036 Umrah pilgrims on 137 flights arrived on Monday evening, while 14,004 departed on the same day on board 72 international flights. The Haj and Umrah terminal complex at KAIA has 14 arrival and departure lounges totally dedicated to serve Umrah and Haj pilgrims. The complex has 26 airplane parking bays, 10 passenger boarding bridges, two operation centers, a control tower, 18 travel gates, 14 travel lounges for pilgrims, 143 immigration counters, 120 counters for Ministry of Haj commissions, 224 counters for United agent offices and 254 travel counters. The length of the luggage conveyor belt is 1.180 meters, which also features a first class and VIP lounges. The terminal had a 123-room hotel, which includes a food court and a commercial area measuring 9.418 SQM in total. There are 20 waiting lounges at the Haj Plaza, as well as 40 praying areas, in addition to 32 bathroom facilities.
