16:38 - 8.04.2026

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April 8, Fineko/abc.az. Mecca has approved the construction of a new airport and metro line to improve access for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah.

ABC.AZ reports that now the city does not have its own airport, and most tourists arrive in Jeddah, traveling the remaining 100 km by car or bus.

Previously, the mountainous area was considered dangerous for landings, but in 2024, unmanned aerial taxis for transporting pilgrims and emergency missions were successfully tested here. The metro will complement the existing bus system, which is used by 185 million passengers a year. According to GASTAT, close to 1.5 million foreign pilgrims visited Mecca last year.