Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded the “EYAB” (Return) initiative through Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medinah, where more than 13,500 pilgrims were served at the airport.

GACA launched the Eyab initiative during the current Haj season, where more than 30,000 pilgrims were targeted from three different countries (Indonesia, India and Malaysia).

The two airports that were involved in the initiative were King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medinah.

The initiative benefited more than 16,500 pilgrims, GACA aimed through the implementation of the initiative to improve the services provided for the pilgrims throughout the Kingdom’s airports.

GACA revealed the success of the operational plan for the Haj season 1440, after the conclusion of the departure phase on Saturday. Moreover, according to official statistics, more than 1.7 million pilgrims departed through the Kingdom’s airports.

GACA explained that one of the main objectives implemented in its plan during the (arrival and departure) stages was to provide the pilgrims with the best services, facilitate their arrival and departure procedures and reduce the period of completion of their travel procedures.

GACA harnessed all its efforts to serve the arriving and departing pilgrims from the beginning of the time of their arrival, until their departure to their home countries. The authority was keen on facilitating the arrival and departure procedures for the pilgrims in coordination with government and private entities operating within the airports.

Furthermore, GACA has been keen to implement the best services and practices for the pilgrims through the application of the annual plan for the pilgrimage season in cooperation with all entities operating at the airport.

It is worth noting, that within the Haj and Umrah Terminal complex at King Abdulaziz International Airport and Prince Muhammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, there are more than 25 government and private entities. Working at the Haj and Umrah Terminal complex, there are more than 7,000 male and female employees. Likewise, there are more than 5000 employees working at the airport in Madinah.