RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, visited the dedicated Makkah Route initiative terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, where he welcomed a flight of pilgrims arriving from Bangladesh.
During the visit, the minister was briefed on the procedures designed to streamline pilgrims’ journeys, reduce processing times, and ensure high-quality services that allow them to perform their Hajj rituals with ease and comfort.
Al-Jasser highlighted that the Kingdom’s transport and logistics sector operates under an integrated strategy that leverages modern technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery.
He added that these efforts reflect the leadership’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, while advancing the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Meanwhile, the first flight under the Makkah Route initiative from Istanbul International Airport arrived in the Kingdom through the initiative’s dedicated terminal at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport.
Another flight carrying pilgrims from Pakistan’s Allama Iqbal International Airport also arrived in Madinah.
In addition, the General Directorate of Passports at Madinah airport received the first group of pilgrims arriving from Afghanistan.
The directorate affirmed its full readiness to facilitate entry procedures across all air, land, and sea ports by deploying advanced technologies and multilingual, well-trained personnel to ensure smooth and efficient services throughout the Hajj season.
The Makkah Route initiative is designed to simplify the pilgrimage experience by completing essential travel procedures in pilgrims’ home countries, enabling a seamless and efficient journey upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The countries benefiting from the initiative are Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Maldives, as well as, for the first time, Senegal and Brunei Darussalam.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism welcomed the first groups of pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, organising reception activities that showcased Saudi hospitality and helped ensure a smooth and efficient arrival experience.
The ministry said these efforts form part of a coordinated government approach aimed at providing a seamless, safe, and well-managed Hajj journey—from arrival in the Kingdom through to departure.
