Saudi Arabia Introduces Seventy E-Gates at Jeddah Airport to Speed Up Travel

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Saudi Arabia has taken another major step in modernizing its aviation sector with the launch of seventy AI-powered e-gates at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah. The new system, inaugurated by Deputy Emir of the Mecca Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, is set to enhance travel efficiency, improve security, and reduce wait times for 175,000 passengers daily.

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.

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

Jeddah Becomes Third Saudi Airport to Implement E-Gates

Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport follows King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) and Neom Bay Airport in adopting AI-powered e-gates, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to smart airport solutions.

• 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.