JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – 29th April 2025 – Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, officially welcomed the first wave of Hajj 2025 pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Tuesday. The inaugural flight from Dhaka, Bangladesh, carried 396 pilgrims, marking the start of a streamlined Hajj season supported by advanced logistics and the Makkah Route Initiative.
Key Airports & Logistics for Hajj 2025
Six major Saudi airports will facilitate pilgrim arrivals:
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport (Madinah)
- Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport (Yanbu)
- Taif International Airport
- King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
- King Fahd International Airport (Dammam)
Flights will continue until Dhul Hijjah, backed by integrated services to ensure seamless journeys from arrival to departure. “Our efforts reflect Saudi Arabia’s leadership in serving the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims worldwide,” stated Al-Jasser.
Global Pilgrim Arrivals: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia & India
Bangladesh:
- 414 pilgrims arrived in Jeddah, greeted by Ambassador M. Delwar Hossain.
- Over 87,100 Bangladeshis will perform Hajj this year.
Pakistan:
- First Makkah Route Initiative flight (442 pilgrims) landed in Madinah.
- 89,000+ pilgrims to travel via 342 government flights, concluding May 31.
- Mobile SIM cards with GPS guidance apps were distributed to prevent disorientation in Mina.
- Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf pledged to address pilgrims’ issues onsite and expand the Makkah Route to more cities.
Malaysia:
- First Makkah Route flight from Kuala Lumpur arrived in Madinah.
India:
- 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad received floral welcomes; entry procedures were completed swiftly.
Makkah Route Initiative: Streamlining Pilgrim Journeys
The Saudi-led initiative revolutionizes Hajj logistics with:
✅ Pre-departure services: Electronic visas, health checks, and passport control in home countries.
✅ Smart luggage coding: Direct delivery to accommodations in Makkah/Madinah.
✅ Efficient transfers: Dedicated transport from airports to residences.
A collaborative effort between Saudi ministries, the program ensures pilgrims focus on spirituality, not logistics.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Pilgrim Excellence
Authorities have launched comprehensive operational plans to guarantee smooth arrivals, accommodations, and rituals. “Respect Saudi laws and culture—you are ambassadors of your nations,” urged Pakistan’s Yousaf during a televised farewell.
