During peak religious travel seasons like Ramadan and Hajj, King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) experiences high passenger volumes and complex operational challenges. In collaboration with Jedco, daa International implemented a strategic solution to enhance passenger flow, operational efficiency, and overall traveller experience. 

The Challenge 
KAIA serves a diverse passenger mix, including large religious groups and infrequent flyers. Managing thousands of passengers during peak seasons created congestion risks at check-in and baggage areas. The airport needed infrastructure and processes to ensure smooth operations while maintaining a high-quality travel experience. 

Our Solution 

  • Developed a purpose-built welcome lounge capable of accommodating up to 85 buses and 3,000 passengers at a time 
  • Introduced remote check-in with seven desks and manual baggage handling to reduce pressure on the main terminal 
  • Leveraged a Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) allowing airline staff to switch between departure control systems in 30 seconds 
  • From Plan to Operation 

From Plan to Operation 

  • Facility fully launched in 2024 
  • Successfully handled 910 buses and nearly 31,000 passengers on a single busy Hajj/Umrah day in 2025 
  • Remote check-in was first implemented during Ramadan, streamlining passenger flow before entering the terminal 

The Impact

  • Reduced congestion and smoothed passenger operations 
  • Minimized impact of irregular baggage on automated systems 
  • Improved overall passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency 

Collaboration at Every Step 

Close engagement with airlines, ground handlers, and stakeholders ensured seamless integration of the new systems into existing workflows and alignment with operational goals. 

Insights for Airport Leaders 

  • Scalable infrastructure and proactive planning are essential for group movements
  • Flexible check-in solutions improve passenger flow during peak periods 
  • Technology can significantly enhance service delivery and operational efficiency 

Looking Ahead

KAIA will expand its remote check-in capabilities and integrate digital solutions ahead of future peak seasons, applying advanced queuing strategies and optimized handling for widebody aircraft.  

“By redesigning passenger flow, we turned peak-season pressure into an opportunity to deliver smoother journeys for millions of travellers.”-Jason Clegg, Senior Airport Duty Manager, KAIA  

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