Saudi Red Crescent executes air evacuation in Arafat as part of Hajj 2025

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) successfully executed a medical air evacuation in Arafat on Wednesday, reinforcing its emergency preparedness strategy for the ongoing Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The mission was initiated following an emergency call received by SRCA’s central operations room. In immediate response, ground and air ambulance units were dispatched in coordination with local health authorities. The patient was stabilised at the scene and swiftly airlifted to a designated hospital after close coordination with the hospital’s medical team and transfer of essential medical information.

Dr. Taimur Shukrullah Jan, SRCA spokesman, emphasised that the mission reflects the authority’s integrated emergency response framework, aimed at providing swift medical intervention across the holy sites. He highlighted the strategic importance of air medical services in congested areas or locations with restricted access, noting that SRCA is fully mobilising its human and technical capacities to serve pilgrims.

The SRCA's Hajj air ambulance fleet includes 11 aircraft stationed across 13 strategic landing sites in Makkah and surrounding holy areas. Over 120 trained medical personnel are actively involved, ensuring timely, high-quality emergency support for millions of pilgrims.

“Our teams are operating round the clock to deliver critical care where and when it’s most needed”, Dr. Jan said.