‘Traveler Without Luggage’ streamlines Hajj departures, cuts airport time to 15 minutes

Pilgrims can now send their luggage directly from their accommodation to the airport before departure, avoiding the hassle of carrying bags or waiting to check them in. This service is offered by the 'Traveler Without Luggage' initiative, showcased at the sixth Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition 2026, held at Jeddah Superdome under the theme 'From Makkah to the World.'

The initiative allows pilgrims to complete their travel procedures at their place of stay. A specialized team collects the luggage, verifies travel documents, and issues boarding passes before transporting the bags to the airport for security screening and loading onto the designated flight. Pilgrims then proceed to the departure hall without their luggage, saving time and effort.

Launched by the General Authority of Civil Aviation and implemented by Matarat Holding Company, the initiative began during the 1444 AH Hajj season at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. It served 680,000 pilgrims in its first year, rising to 722,000 in 1445 AH, and surpassed one million beneficiaries in 1446 AH as the service expanded to Taif International Airport.

In the 1447 AH Hajj season, the initiative expanded to cover both arrival and departure phases. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah stated during the opening of the sixth Hajj and Umrah Conference in Jeddah that the service handled around 2.9 million bags and reduced airport travel procedures from two hours to just 15 minutes, easing pilgrim movement and reducing congestion in departure halls.

The initiative reflects the efforts of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Matarat Holding Company, in cooperation with relevant entities, to enhance travel systems, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the experience of Hajj pilgrims, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.