Saudi Arabia Welcomes First Hajj Pilgrims from Multiple Nations
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially commenced the Hajj season for 2026 by welcoming the first groups of pilgrims under the Makkah Route initiative. Arrivals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, and Turkiye have been received at airports in Madinah and Jeddah, marking the start of this year's pilgrimage.
Pakistani Pilgrims Arrive in Madinah
The first flight carrying Pakistani beneficiaries of the Makkah Route initiative landed at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Saturday. Departing from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, this group represents part of the 179,210 Hajj quota allocated to Pakistan for 2026. Of this total, approximately 118,000 seats have been assigned to the government scheme, with the remainder allocated to private tour operators.
Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi, along with other federal and provincial officials, saw off the passengers in Karachi. The Sindh Directorate of Hajj confirmed that a total of 160 Hajj pilgrims were sent off with prayers and best wishes for their spiritual journey.
Bangladeshi and Other International Arrivals
Simultaneously, another flight carrying Bangladeshi beneficiaries arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Saturday. The departure from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka was attended by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah bin Abiyah, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
The first flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia also arrived in Madinah on Saturday, while pilgrims from Ankara Esenboga Airport in Turkiye were received, highlighting the continued expansion of the Makkah Route initiative. This program provides streamlined, high-quality services to pilgrims directly from their home countries, enhancing the overall Hajj experience.
Indian Pilgrims Received with Official Welcome
The first group of Indian Hajj pilgrims was warmly received at Madinah airport by Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, alongside other senior Saudi and Indian officials. Ambassador Khan also inspected facilities at the airport and met with Indian community volunteers who are assisting Hajj pilgrims during their stay.
Expansion of the Makkah Route Initiative
The Ministry of Interior is implementing the Makkah Route initiative for its eighth consecutive year, with the service now expanded to 17 entry points across 10 countries. As a flagship project of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative has added Senegal and Brunei Darussalam for the first time this year. They join existing participant countries including Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Cote d'Ivoire, and the Maldives.
The initiative is designed to provide a seamless, high-quality Hajj experience by completing all entry procedures in pilgrims' home countries. This comprehensive process includes:
- Electronic issuance of Hajj visas
- Passport control and verification of health requirements at the departure airport
- Coding and sorting of luggage according to accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia
Upon arrival in Makkah and Madinah, pilgrims can board dedicated buses without waiting at baggage claim, significantly reducing processing time and enhancing convenience.
Technological Readiness and Historical Impact
The General Directorate of Passports has affirmed its full readiness to facilitate a smooth entry experience for pilgrims across all air, land, and sea ports. This is achieved through the deployment of advanced technological resources and specialized personnel to ensure the highest service standards throughout the Hajj season.
The Makkah Route initiative is being implemented in cooperation with multiple government entities, including the ministries of foreign affairs, health, and Hajj and Umrah. Since its launch in 2017, the program has served an impressive total of 1,254,994 pilgrims, demonstrating its significant impact on improving the Hajj journey for Muslims worldwide.
