Supporting Hajj is a powerful example of ACL’s expertise in Special Event Coordination. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible scale, complexity and global collaboration required to support one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.

Our team were working for seven months behind the scenes, managing significant demand from airlines while aligning with strict regulatory requirements and carefully controlled capacity at the Hajj Terminal in Jeddah Airport.

This year’s operation saw:

• 4,949 Hajj charter slots and 989,567 seats coordinated
• 59 airlines involved
• 67 countries connected
• All coordinated against 893 quota constraints

Together, the team processed all Hajj-related slot messages alongside an additional surge in slot messages and enquiries related to the recent Middle East conflict, and delivered the operational arrival phase alongside the NW26 initial coordination period. The scale of the operation is immense, with tightly managed quotas governing both aircraft movements and passenger volumes, all set in collaboration with GACA (General Authority of Civil Aviation) Saudi Arabia and the airport operator. Every request must be carefully handled, with no margin for error, and systems configured to reflect the unique nature of Hajj operations, from dedicated charters to adapted scheduled services.

We also recognise the exceptional work of the Matarat airport teams and wider partners in Saudi Arabia. The organisation and management of the Hajj Terminal, and the wider infrastructure that supports the movement of pilgrims, is unlike any other airport operation.

Events like this demonstrate our ability to manage highly complex, high-pressure scenarios, work closely with international partners, and deliver coordinated solutions for events of global significance.

Well done to everyone involved – let’s get ready for Hajj 2027!