The first phase of the Umrah season would end on May 18.

More than a million pilgrims have either arrived or departed through King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) since the Umrah season started on Dec. 7.

Quoting a report by the airport’s management, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday that 523,672 pilgrims are still in the Kingdom performing Umrah in Makkah or visiting Madinah while 484,613 have departed for their respective homes.

The report said since the beginning of the season, a total of 4,901 flights have either landed or taken off from the airport.

Abdul Hameed Aba Al-Ary, director general of the airport, said all concerned departments are prepared to deal with the busy period at the airport during the Umrah season.

He said the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Makkah Governorate and the Haj Ministry have formulated a comprehensive plan to properly handle the hectic operational activities at KAIA during the Umrah season, which will continue up to July 7.

He explained the first phase of the Umrah season would end on May 18. The second phase will then start and end during Ramadan.

“After that, all flights will be directed to land at the Haj terminal of KAIA,” he added.

The director described the third phase of the Umrah season, which will run from July 7-31, as the peak period and said a large number of staff will be deployed to serve the pilgrims from their arrival until departure.

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