Saudi Arabia has significantly advanced its airport infrastructure by introducing 70 AI-powered e-gates at Jeddah ‘s King Abdulaziz International Airport.

This initiative aims to enhance passenger experience by automating check-in and departure procedures, thereby reducing wait times and streamlining airport operations.

Jeddah Airport e-gates – Inauguration and Implementation

The e-gate system was officially inaugurated by Prince Saud bin Mishaal, the Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region. The installation of these gates is strategically distributed across Terminal 1 and the Executive Office facilities. Each e-gate has the capacity to process up to 2,500 passengers daily, collectively accommodating approximately 175,000 travelers per day.

Technological Features

Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, the e-gates facilitate a seamless and paperless travel experience. They employ biometric verification and facial recognition technologies, allowing passengers to pass through checkpoints without the need for manual document checks. This automation not only enhances security but also expedites passenger processing, reducing congestion and improving overall airport efficiency.

How Jeddah’s E-Gates Will Improve Passenger Experience

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has implemented the e-gate system across Terminal 1 and Executive Office facilities, enabling a seamless, paperless check-in and departure process.

• Biometric Verification & Facial Recognition: Passengers can pass through checkpoints without manual document checks, enhancing security and reducing congestion.
• Faster Processing Times: Each e-gate can handle 2,500 passengers per day, expediting passport control and boarding procedures.
• Enhanced Security Measures: The AI-driven system ensures precise identity verification, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access.

Alignment with Vision 2030

The implementation of the e-gate system aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at modernizing various sectors, including aviation and tourism. By adopting such advanced technologies, the Kingdom seeks to enhance passenger convenience, boost tourism, and position itself as a leader in smart airport solutions.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 prioritizes technological advancements and travel infrastructure improvements to accommodate the kingdom’s growing tourism, business, and pilgrimage sectors.

Expansion of Smart Airport Solutions

King Abdulaziz International Airport is now the third airport in Saudi Arabia to implement the e-gate system, following King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Neom Bay Airport. This expansion underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to integrating smart solutions into its aviation sector, aiming to provide travelers with efficient and secure airport experiences.

• In 2024, Jeddah airport handled 49.1 million passengers across 278,000 flights, making it a key entry point for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, business travelers, and tourists.
• The Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services aims to increase annual airport capacity to 100 million passengers by 2030, and these automated systems will play a crucial role in meeting this goal.

The Future of Saudi Arabia’s Smart Airports

As part of Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy, the e-gate rollout is expected to:

• Enhance travel convenience for international visitors, particularly during peak Hajj and Umrah seasons.
• Strengthen airport security while reducing bottlenecks at immigration and boarding gates.
• Encourage digital transformation across Saudi airports, supporting seamless, touchless travel experiences.

With Jeddah now leading the way in AI-powered airport innovations, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in smart aviation technology, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient travel for millions of passengers each year.