King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah has taken a significant leap forward in modernising its operations with the introduction of 70 advanced e-gates.
This enhanced initiative, inaugurated by Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of the Mecca Region, aims to enhance the passenger experience by significantly reducing wait times and streamlining check-in and departure procedures.
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The AI-powered e-gates, strategically placed across Terminal 1 and the Executive Office facilities, utilise biometric verification and facial recognition technology to expedite the security screening process. Travellers can now pass through checkpoints without manual document checks, leading to a faster and more efficient journey.
Each e-gate has the capacity to process 2,500 passengers daily, contributing to the airport's overall goal of handling up to 175,000 travellers per day. This move not only improves efficiency but also enhances security measures, as biometrics are taken into account and matched to passports or identity cards.
KAIA joins King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Neom Bay Airport in adopting this advanced technology, solidifying Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernising its aviation sector.
As a major entry point for pilgrims, business travellers, and tourists, KAIA served 49.1 million passengers across 278,000 flights in 2024. The implementation of e-gates is expected to further enhance the airport's capacity and improve the overall travel experience for millions of passengers.
Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport
In January 2025, it was announced that Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport achieved a significant milestone in 2024, recording the highest annual passenger traffic in the history of Saudi airports. More than 49 million passengers travelled through the airport, resulting in a significant 14% increase in travellers. This news only further underscored the rapid growth of the Saudi Arabian international and domestic tourism industry over the last number of years.
Alongside the surge in passenger traffic, the airport's operational capacity expanded considerably in 2024, as it was recorded that flight operations in KAIA saw an 11 percent rise, reaching over 278,000 flights in 2024. Furthermore, the airport demonstrated its enhanced baggage handling capabilities by efficiently processing 47.1 million bags, a substantial 21% increase.
To service this increased volume of travellers, in September 2024, KAIA unveiled the partnership with Saudia for an exclusive First Class and Business Class check-in hub. This new service has been introduced for the first time in Jeddah, as First and Business Class passengers now have access to a personalised service and dedicated check-in area at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport
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