Istanbul: The first flight carrying beneficiaries of the 'Makkah Route Initiative' has departed from Istanbul International Airport in Trkiye, heading to the Kingdom via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in the Madinah Region. This marks a significant step in the initiative's mission to streamline services for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the initiative aims to simplify and expedite the travel process for pilgrims from participating countries by completing essential procedures in their home countries. These procedures include biometric data collection, electronic issuance of Hajj visas, and passport processing after confirming health requirements. Additionally, the initiative ensures the coding and sorting of luggage in accordance with transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom.

Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah. The initiative's partner entities are responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of their luggage, facilitating a seamless transition for the pilgrims.

The Ministry of Interior leads the implementation of the initiative, now in its eighth year, collaborating with the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and media. Other partners include 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 Program, and the General Directorate of Passports, with digital support from stc Group.

Since its inception in 1438 AH (2017), the Makkah Route Initiative has served a total of 1,254,994 pilgrims, continuing to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Muslims around the world.