The first flights of the Makkah Route Initiative from Bangladesh for pilgrims have begun
The first Hajj flights depart from Bangladesh
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing the highest quality services to pilgrims, the first flight carrying pilgrims benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative from the People's Republic of Bangladesh for the Kingdom. The flight departed from the initiative's terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, bound for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The farewell ceremony was attended by high-level officials, including the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Bangladesh, underscoring the depth of bilateral relations and the importance of this event in facilitating the pilgrims' journey.
General context and importance of the initiative within Vision 2030
The Makkah Route Initiative is one of the most prominent strategic initiatives under the umbrella of the Guests of God Service Program, a key executive program of Saudi Vision 2030. This pioneering initiative aims to transform the Hajj experience by providing high-quality services and streamlining travel procedures for pilgrims in their home countries before their departure. Its importance, both locally and internationally, lies in easing the burden on pilgrims, especially the elderly, and saving them time and effort upon arrival in the Holy Land. This reflects the Kingdom's leadership in crowd management and its commitment to leveraging technology to serve Muslims.
Integrated services and streamlined procedures
The pilgrim's journey under the initiative begins with obtaining an electronic Hajj visa and collecting their biometric data in their home country. All passport and customs procedures are then completed at the departure airport, after verifying that all necessary health requirements are met. Among the most prominent services offered by the initiative is the meticulous sorting and labeling of luggage, with precise arrangements for transportation and accommodation within the Kingdom. Upon arrival at Saudi airports, pilgrims proceed directly via designated routes to buses that transport them to their accommodations in Mecca and Medina. The relevant authorities then deliver their luggage to their rooms without any intervention or waiting on the part of the pilgrim.
Date of the initiative and participating entities
Historically, since its launch in 1438 AH (2017 CE), the initiative has successfully served more than 1,254,994 pilgrims, highlighting its sustained positive impact and cumulative success year after year. Now in its eighth year, the Saudi Ministry of Interior is implementing this initiative in close collaboration with several government entities, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media, as well as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Endowments, the Guests of God Service Program, and the General Directorate of Passports. The initiative also operates in full integration with its digital partner, stc Group, to ensure the highest levels of technical efficiency.
