Jeddah: The first flights carrying pilgrims from Pakistan under the 'Makkah Route' initiative arrived today at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, following their departure from the initiative's dedicated terminal at Islamabad International Airport.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the arriving pilgrims were received by Pakistani Minister of Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, along with the consul and director-general of the General Directorate of Hajj of Pakistan in the Kingdom, Abdul Wahab Soomro.
The Makkah Route initiative aims to deliver seamless, high-quality services to pilgrims from participating countries. The process begins with the completion of all travel and Hajj-related procedures in the country of departure. These include biometric data collection, electronic issuance of Hajj visas, and verification of health requirements, followed by immigration procedures at the departure airport.
Luggage is also coded and sorted in line with pilgrims' transportation and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly by bus to their residences in Makkah and Madinah using dedicated lanes, while partner agencies deliver their luggage to the designated accommodations.