Given the immense importance of the Kaaba, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia has implemented a no-fly zone for airplanes directly above it.
This airspace restriction ensures a peaceful environment for pilgrims performing religious rites.
Safety Considerations
Mecca is a densely populated city throughout the year, with millions of pilgrims from all around the globe performing rituals around the Kaaba.
A plane malfunction or crash above the Kaaba could have devastating consequences.
Alternative Flight Paths
Air traffic controllers in Saudi Arabia ensure flight paths divert around Mecca altogether. This ensures the safety of pilgrims and the smooth operation of nearby airports in Jeddah and Taif.
Keeping all the airplanes above the mecca’s airspace could also trigger noise pollution which can result in disruption during prayers at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram).
The no-fly zone extends to all commercial and private aircraft, ensuring that the area remains undisturbed by air traffic. Mecca does not have a major airport within its immediate vicinity. The closest airport is King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.
