The General Directorate of Passports said that the number of pilgrims arriving by air stood at 596,719, by land 11,551 pilgrims, and by sea 6648 pilgrims. reported state news agency SPA.

Meanwhile , The Saudi Ground Services Company has mobilized all its efforts and potential to extend outstanding ground services to the passengers at the Kingdom's 27 airports and has specifically assigned more than 7,000 staff members to serve the pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah.

The company is extending handling services at all the lounges and halls as per established international standards for the comfort and welfare of the passengers especially the pilgrims.

Jeddah Islamic Port is also gearing up to receive 22,000 pilgrims for this year's Haj season,  a 37 percent increase from last year.

According to the president of the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), Saad bin Abdul Aziz Al-Khalb, 22 trips using four ferries were planned, representing a 29% rise in the number of sea journeys from  the previous year.

Jeddah Islamic Port will receive pilgrims until 6 August and more than 266 personnel will be involved in overseeing this year’s Haj season.