Makkah Route Initiative Launches First Flight from Karachi

The first batch of beneficiaries from the Makkah Route Initiative in Pakistan departs from Karachi Jinnah International Airport to the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah via the initiative's dedicated lounge.
 The Makkah Route Initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by completing their travel procedures smoothly in their home countries. There are documentation-related procedures, such as capturing biometric data, issuing Hajj visas electronically, and completing passport procedures at the departure airport following health requirement verification. Transportation-related procedures include tagging and sorting luggage according to transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom, and transporting pilgrims directly via designated routes to their residences in Makkah and Madinah. Partner agencies are responsible for delivering their luggage to these locations.
 The initiative, now in its seventh year, is implemented by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with 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 Awqaf, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and the General Directorate of Passports.