Over 647,000 pilgrims arrive

A total of 647,314 pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom up to Sunday, according to data from the Directorate General of Passports (Jawazat).

According to a Jawazat report released on Monday, over 642,085 pilgrims aboard about 1,300 flights entered the Kingdom through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

Sept. 18 is the last day for the arrival of Haj flights, according to the standing Haj flight schedule.

So far, the largest number of pilgrims — about 40,000 — arriving by plane have come from Pakistan followed by India and Indonesia.  

According to the Jawazat figures, the number of pilgrims has increased by three percent, almost 18,000 people, compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, 18 security aircraft from the Interior Ministry will conduct surveillance operations around Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

Commander of security aviation at the ministry, Maj.Gen. Mohammed Bin Eid Al-Harbe, said more than 490 personnel, including officers and privates, would be involved in the air security operations to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

He said the aircraft will also monitor traffic movement, and will provide logistical support to other security personnel on the ground.

"The air surveillance will also extend humanitarian help at times of emergency, assist in medical evacuation operations and will closely watch and arrest illegal pilgrims," he added.

Al-Harbe said aircraft would be stationed in Makkah and Madinah, and added that other standby aircraft were on call at their bases in various parts of the Kingdom.

The Saudi Red Crescent (SRC) is providing further logistical support, deploying over 3,600 personnel, including doctors, paramedics and nurses, in addition to 452 ambulances and motorbikes, and a number of helicopters to be used during Haj.

SRC Chairman, Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah, said the organization has completed its preparations on roads, airports and seaports to provide pilgrims with fast ambulance service.