JEDDAH: Saudi Transport Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser on Wednesday stressed the importance of facilitating the smooth movement of travelers during an inspection tour of Jeddahs King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), the Kingdoms busiest airport. Al-Jasser, who is also chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said the goal was to ensure that the operational plans for the Umrah season during Ramadan 2024 were being effectively implemented. The plan, which aims “to provide top-notch services that would enhance guests comfort and convenience,” involves coordination with more than 27 governmental, security, and operational entities. From the beginning of the month of Shaban (February 11, 2024) until the 10th of Ramadan (March 20, 2024), KAIA has recorded a total of 5,420,419 arriving and departing passengers on board 30,572 flights. The airports busiest day was on the 21st of Shaban last year (March 13, 2023), involving 157,800 passengers. Al-Jasser was accompanied in his tour by key officials including GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej; CEO Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Mughlooth of MATARAT Holding, which oversees the development of Saudi airports; Chairman Raed Al-Mudaiheem of the Jeddah Airports Companys board of directors; and Jeddah Airports CEO Mazen Johar. He evaluated the smooth movement of passengers and the operational procedures in place, focusing on the airports three terminals: Terminal 1, the Northern Terminal, and the Hajj Terminal Complex. The inspection began with an overview of the baggage handling area, followed by a visit to the air-conditioned lounges, which are capable of accommodating 6,000 passengers per hour. Al-Jasser then proceeded to the Northern Terminal to review the Sorting Area, which spans an impressive 1,430 square meters and with a waiting area for 522 passengers. A comprehensive explanation of its operational processes was provided, focusing on peak seasons. Moving on to Terminal 1, the minister inspected the 24,000-square-meter Sorting Area, a waiting area for 1,800 passengers per hour, and parking facilities for 83 buses. He also visited the Operations and Control Monitoring Center, got briefed on the baggage handling area, and explored the Automated Passenger Transport and Tourist Visa and Transit Lounges. The minister and his team concluded the visit by joining the airport staff for a Ramadan breakfast.