MADINAH: The first flight carrying Pakistani pilgrims under the “Makkah Route Initiative” arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, marking another milestone in efforts to enhance the Hajj travel experience.
The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to provide seamless, high-quality services to pilgrims from participating countries by completing all essential travel procedures before departure, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.
The process begins in the pilgrims’ home country with biometric data collection and the electronic issuance of Hajj visas.
At the departure airport, all passport formalities are finalised after verifying health requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.
In addition, pilgrims’ luggage is coded and sorted according to their transportation and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia.
Upon arrival, pilgrims are able to bypass airport procedures and proceed directly to designated buses that transport them to their residences in Makkah and Madinah via dedicated routes.
Meanwhile, partner agencies coordinate the timely delivery of their luggage to their accommodations, further easing the travel burden.
Now in its eighth year, the initiative is implemented by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior in collaboration with multiple government entities, including the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and media.
It also involves key organisations such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Awqaf, the Pilgrim Experience Programme, and the General Directorate of Passports, working in close integration with digital partner stc Group.
Since its launch in 1438 AH (2017), the initiative has successfully served 1,254,994 pilgrims, significantly improving efficiency, reducing waiting times, and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
