The first flights carrying pilgrims from the Maldives have arrived in Jeddah via the Makkah Route Initiative
First group of Maldivian pilgrims arrive in Jeddah
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah welcomed the first flights of pilgrims benefiting from the "Makkah Route" initiative, arriving from the Republic of Maldives via Velana International Airport. This arrival marks the official commencement of the initiative's operations in the Maldives for this year, confirming the success of its continued expansion to include new Islamic countries and deepening bilateral relations between the Kingdom and these nations.
Objectives and impact of the Makkah Route Initiative
The “Makkah Route” initiative, a key strategic component of the Guests of God Service Program—one of the most important programs under Saudi Vision 2030—aims to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims. The initiative streamlines all travel procedures for pilgrims at their home airports, ensuring ease, convenience, and speed. This simplified process begins with biometric data collection (fingerprinting) and the electronic issuance of Hajj visas, followed by passport control procedures at the departure airport after thorough verification of all necessary health requirements to guarantee everyone's safety.
Exceptional facilities and smart baggage management
One of the most distinctive features of this pioneering initiative is its smart baggage tagging and sorting system. Pilgrims' luggage is tagged in their home countries according to their pre-arranged transportation and accommodation in the Kingdom. Upon arrival at Saudi Arabian airports, pilgrims do not need to wait at passport control or proceed to baggage claim areas; instead, they are directed via dedicated lanes to modern buses that transport them to their accommodations in Mecca and Medina. Meanwhile, partner organizations deliver their luggage directly to their rooms, minimizing physical strain for pilgrims, especially the elderly and those with health conditions.
Historical background and statistics of the initiative
The Saudi Ministry of Interior is implementing this initiative for the eighth consecutive year, reflecting the maturity of the experience and its accumulated success year after year. Since its initial launch in 1438 AH (2017 CE), the initiative has achieved record numbers, successfully serving 1,254,994 pilgrims to date. This impressive figure highlights the initiative's significant positive impact on alleviating congestion at Saudi airports and enhancing operational efficiency during the Hajj season, which sees millions of Muslims converge simultaneously.
Institutional integration and strategic partnerships
This exceptional achievement would not have been possible without high-level institutional integration. The initiative involves close collaboration led by the Ministry of Interior with several other ministries and agencies, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media. The General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which provides the advanced technological infrastructure, are also participating. Joining them are the General Authority for Endowments, the Guests of God Service Program, and the General Directorate of Passports, in conjunction with the digital partner (stc Group). This synergy reflects the Kingdom's civilized image and its remarkable ability to manage crowds and utilize cutting-edge technologies to serve Islam and Muslims.
