Malé, May 16, 2026, SPA -- The first flight carrying pilgrims from the Maldives under the Makkah Route Initiative for Hajj 1447 AH arrived today from Velana International Airport in Malé at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

The Makkah Route Initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by receiving them and completing their procedures in their home countries with ease and convenience. Services begin with biometric enrollment and the electronic issuance of Hajj visas, followed by the completion of passport procedures at the departure airport after verifying compliance with health requirements.

The process also includes luggage coding and sorting in line with transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. It enables pilgrims to proceed directly to buses designated to transport them to their residences in Makkah and Madinah regions via dedicated routes, while partner entities handle the delivery of their luggage.

The Ministry of Interior is implementing the initiative for the eighth consecutive year in cooperation with several ministries and relevant authorities.