Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with a major transport transformation for Makkah after official approval was confirmed for the holy city’s first international airport, alongside fresh progress on a long-planned metro network designed to improve mobility for millions of pilgrims and residents.

According to published reports citing statements by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC), the airport project has now received strategic approval, marking a significant milestone in kingdom’s wider infrastructure expansion under Saudi Vision 2030.

The new airport is expected to reshape how international pilgrims reach Islam’s holiest city by allowing direct arrivals into Makkah rather than routing most visitors through Jeddah, where pilgrims currently land at King Abdulaziz International Airport before travelling roughly 100 km by road.

For decades, direct air access to Makkah had remained difficult because of the city’s mountainous geography, which aviation specialists considered challenging for airport operations because of turbulence risks, visibility limitations and difficult landing conditions.

That position now appears to be changing as Saudi planners push ahead with advanced engineering solutions and new transport technologies.

Published reports quoting Saleh Al Rasheed, CEO of RCMC, said the strategic and investment direction for the airport had been approved, with the project expected to be developed through private-sector partnerships to meet international standards.

Although officials have not yet announced a final construction timeline or exact site, feasibility studies for the project are understood to have been completed.

The airport announcement comes as Saudi authorities also advance plans for the long-discussed Makkah metro system, another project intended to improve internal mobility across one of the world’s most visited religious destinations.

Reports indicate that initial designs and feasibility studies for the metro have been completed.