Madinah: The first flight carrying beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative from the Republic of Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta arrived today at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah Region. This marks a significant milestone in facilitating the journey for pilgrims as part of the initiative.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Makkah Route Initiative aims to provide efficient services to pilgrims from participating countries. The process begins in their home countries with the collection of biometric data and the issuance of electronic Hajj visas. It also includes the completion of passport procedures at the airport of departure after verifying health requirements, and the coding and sorting of baggage as per transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. Upon arrival, pilgrims are directly transferred to buses that take them to their accommodation in Makkah and Madinah through dedicated routes, with partner entities ensuring the delivery of their baggage.

The Ministry of Interior has been successfully implementing the initiative since its inception in 2017. To date, it has served 1,254,994 pilgrims, streamlining their journey and enhancing their pilgrimage experience.