Saudi Arabia is preparing a major overhaul of its aviation sector to make Mecca easier to reach, especially for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. As part of Vision 2030, the kingdom is using new airlines, upgraded airports, advanced transport technology, and expanded rail links to strengthen its position as a global tourism and pilgrimage hub.
A central element of this strategy is the launch of three new airlines in 2026. One carrier is expected to focus primarily on pilgrimage travel, offering routes from major international hubs directly to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Its goal is to simplify journeys for millions of Muslims each year by reducing transit times and making travel more tailored to religious visitors.
Another planned airline will operate as a low-cost carrier, likely based in Dammam, expanding both domestic and regional options. This will provide more affordable flights for budget-conscious travelers and pilgrims, while also connecting additional cities within Saudi Arabia to Mecca-bound routes. A third airline will target long-haul and regional services, linking the kingdom with more global destinations and opening new markets for both religious and leisure tourism.
Alongside new airlines, Saudi Arabia is preparing to introduce eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft into its transport network. Expected to be in service around 2026, these aircraft are designed to offer fast point-to-point connections, especially between Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca. By bypassing road congestion during peak Hajj and Umrah seasons, eVTOL services aim to shorten travel times and support more sustainable aviation through lower emissions.
Existing Saudi carriers are also expanding. Low-cost airline flyadeal plans to add more routes, including new services to India and other key markets, improving access for travelers from regions with large Muslim populations. At the same time, international airlines are increasing flights to Jeddah, the main air gateway to Mecca, giving pilgrims from countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh more options and better connectivity.
Airport and Rail Infrastructure Upgrades
To handle higher passenger volumes, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in infrastructure. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is being upgraded to accommodate rising air traffic and offer smoother processing for arriving visitors. These enhancements are intended to make the onward journey to Mecca faster and more comfortable, with improved facilities and services.
Rail infrastructure is also expanding, with plans to strengthen train connections between Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca. Faster, more frequent rail services are expected to ease pressure on roads and provide pilgrims with an efficient alternative for traveling between the holy cities and major entry points.
Taken together, the new airlines, eVTOL deployment, airport upgrades, and rail expansion reflect a coordinated effort to make Mecca more accessible than ever. These developments support Vision 2030 by boosting tourism, improving the pilgrimage experience, and tying Saudi Arabia more closely into the global travel network, while positioning the holy city at the center of a modern, integrated transport system.
