King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) has begun the phased opening of its new Terminal 4, adding capacity and dedicated facilities for pilgrims travelling for Umrah and Hajj. The phased operations began on September 27, 2026, with flights moving to the new terminal in stages rather than in a single shift.
What changed
Terminal 4 occupies about 97,000 m² and is designed to handle up to 15 million passengers a year. The facility introduces modern check-in, arrivals and transfer areas and includes a designated group check-in zone intended for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, aiming to streamline processing for organised groups.
What it means for pilgrims from Germany and Europe
European travellers should expect a staged transfer of airlines and flights to Terminal 4 rather than an immediate, universal change. The phased approach means some carriers and routes will remain at the existing terminals while others move gradually to Terminal 4. Pilgrims travelling for Umrah should note that the presence of a dedicated group check-in can ease group processing, but it does not guarantee that every individual pilgrim or every flight from Europe will operate from the new terminal.
Practical steps for pilgrims and other travellers: confirm your departure terminal with your airline or the airport before travel; follow the terminal listed on your ticket or by your carrier; and allow additional time at the airport during the transfer period while operations settle into the new layout.
What happens next
Airport authorities will continue transferring flights in stages until Terminal 4 reaches full operational capacity. Passengers are advised to monitor communications from their carriers and the airport for any terminal changes.