Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, does not have an airport because of its religious significance and the sacred nature of the area. The city is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Muslims each year, and the presence of an airport could potentially disrupt the sanctity of the site.
Religious Considerations:
- Preservation of the sacred space: The presence of an airport, with its associated noise, traffic, and commercial activities, could be seen as a disturbance to the spiritual atmosphere of Makkah.
- Protection of the Kaaba: The Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, is located in the heart of Makkah. Constructing an airport in close proximity could raise concerns about the potential impact on this sacred structure.
- Focus on pilgrimage: The primary purpose of Makkah is to facilitate the pilgrimage (Hajj) and Umrah. The city's infrastructure is designed to support these religious activities, and the presence of an airport could shift the focus away from this core purpose.
Practical Considerations:
- Proximity to Jeddah: Jeddah, a major port city located approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Makkah, serves as the primary gateway for pilgrims arriving by air.
- Existing infrastructure: Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East, with a dedicated terminal for Hajj and Umrah travelers. This existing infrastructure provides efficient and convenient access to Makkah.
- Land availability: Makkah is a densely populated city with limited available land. Finding a suitable location for an airport within the city limits could be challenging.
While there are no immediate plans to construct an airport in Makkah, the city's future development may necessitate a reevaluation of this decision. However, for now, the religious significance and the existing infrastructure in Jeddah continue to support the current arrangement.
