Saudi Transport Minister Lauds Seamless Hajj Travel as Makkah Route Flights Land
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, has highlighted the seamless travel experience for Hajj pilgrims as flights under the Makkah Route initiative arrive in the Kingdom. The minister personally welcomed a flight carrying beneficiaries from Bangladesh at the dedicated terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, underscoring the government's commitment to facilitating the sacred journey.
Integrated Strategy for Pilgrim Services
During his visit, Al-Jasser was briefed on the advanced procedures implemented to streamline pilgrims' journeys, significantly reduce processing times, and deliver high-quality services that enable them to perform their rituals with ease and comfort. He emphasized that the transport and logistics system operates under an integrated strategy leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence to ensure efficient service delivery.
"These efforts reflect the leadership's care for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, supporting the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy," Al-Jasser stated, noting the comprehensive approach to enhance the Hajj experience.
First Flights Arrive from Multiple Countries
The initial flights under the Makkah Route initiative have begun arriving, marking the start of this year's Hajj season. Key arrivals include:
- The first flight from Istanbul International Airport in Turkiye landed at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
- A flight from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Pakistan also arrived at Madinah airport, carrying beneficiaries of the initiative.
- The General Directorate of Passports at Madinah airport received the first flight of pilgrims from Afghanistan, affirming full readiness to facilitate entry procedures.
The directorate has deployed advanced technological capabilities and multilingual qualified personnel across all air, land, and sea ports to ensure smooth and efficient services throughout the Hajj season.
Makkah Route Initiative: Streamlining Pilgrim Procedures
The Makkah Route initiative is designed to provide streamlined and efficient services by completing essential procedures in pilgrims' home countries before departure. This year, the initiative benefits several nations, including:
- Morocco
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Turkiye
- Cote d'Ivoire
- Maldives
- Senegal (for the first time)
- Brunei Darussalam (for the first time)
Services under the initiative encompass collecting biometric data, issuing Hajj visas electronically, and completing passport procedures at departure airports after verifying health requirements. Additionally, baggage is tagged and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements within the Kingdom.
Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly via dedicated routes to their accommodations in the Makkah and Madinah regions, with partner entities handling baggage delivery to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Tourism Ministry Welcomes Pilgrim Groups
In a coordinated effort, the Ministry of Tourism has welcomed the first groups of pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, organizing reception events that reflect Saudi hospitality and contribute to an efficient arrival experience. The ministry stated that these efforts are part of an integrated government approach to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj journey from arrival through departure.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating with relevant entities and the private sector to improve accommodation services across hotels and other hospitality facilities, with a focus on efficiency and comfort. It also stressed that inspection teams will intensify field visits to monitor service quality and address any violations, enforcing compliance with regulations.
Pilgrims are encouraged to contact the Unified Tourism Center at (930) for inquiries, feedback, or complaints, ensuring their concerns are promptly addressed during their stay.
