Saudi Arabia Launches Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport
In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia unveiled the Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport, with the Kingdom’s ambassador to Turkiye present to witness the historic event.
The airport in Ankara now boasts a dedicated lounge for pilgrims embarking on the Makkah Route Initiative, marking it as the second Turkish airport equipped to cater to the needs of these special travelers, according to Saudi Press Agency.
The primary goal of the initiative is to provide top-notch services to Hajj pilgrims from countries benefiting from the program. This includes streamlining the process by collecting biometric data in the pilgrim’s home country and issuing electronic Hajj visas before they even set foot in Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that all health requirements are met prior to pilgrims entering the country. Additionally, baggage will be meticulously coded and sorted to ensure seamless transportation and accommodation arrangements.
To ensure a smooth journey, pilgrims will be transported to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah via bus, while partner agencies will handle the transportation of their luggage separately.