Makkah doesn't have an airport primarily due to its challenging geographical location.
Geographical Constraints
The main reason cited for the absence of an airport within Makkah itself is its mountainous terrain. The city is situated within the Sarawat mountain belt, which presents significant obstacles to airport construction.
- Mountainous Terrain: Building a large, flat area required for an airport runway is extremely difficult and expensive in a mountainous region.
- Space Limitations: Available land within Makkah is limited, and prioritizing it for airport construction may not be feasible given the city's religious and residential needs.
Alternative Solutions
While Makkah itself lacks an airport, air travel to the city is facilitated by nearby airports:
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED): Located in Jeddah, approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Makkah, this is the primary airport serving pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah. This airport is well-equipped to handle the large influx of travelers, especially during Hajj and Umrah.
