ISTANBUL: The Makkah Route Initiative has returned to Istanbul Airport for the fourth consecutive year, marking another milestone in its mission to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage journey for Turkish Hajj pilgrims.
Now in its eighth year, the initiative is a flagship programme of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at simplifying travel procedures before pilgrims depart for the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday.
At a dedicated terminal in Istanbul, pilgrims are provided with a full range of pre-departure services, including Hajj visa issuance, biometric registration, and verification of health requirements. The process also covers baggage tagging and sorting, allowing pilgrims to travel seamlessly.
Upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, pilgrims can proceed directly to their accommodations without facing administrative delays.
The initiative is managed by a specialised Saudi team in collaboration with Turkish partner organizations, ensuring efficient coordination and high-quality service delivery.
By offering these streamlined services in pilgrims’ home countries, the programme continues to enhance the overall Hajj experience and reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to serving pilgrims with care and efficiency.
