MAKKAH: Hajj pilgrims departing from Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, Indonesia have praised the services of the Makkah Route Initiative, which include assistance with check-in procedures at 12 dedicated counters in the airport, ensuring that all health requirements are met, and organizing delivery of their luggage to their accommodation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Pilgrims expressed their gratitude for the help they received from authorities for the swift completion of their departure procedures on their journey to the Kingdom to perform Hajj, the SPA stated.
Indonesian couple Dewa Rosetta and Fatiha Munir told the SPA of their “extreme satisfaction” with the initiative, emphasizing its facilitation of travel procedures and time-saving benefits.
They also noted the Kingdom’s commitment to serving pilgrims from their home countries and its generosity in supporting Islamic countries and those in need, the SPA reported.
The couple extended well wishes to all involved in the initiative, and said it was a “memorable experience.”
The first Makkah Route Initiative flight from Indonesia departed from Juanda International Airport on May 12, carrying approximately 300 pilgrims.
The Makkah Route Initiative, implemented by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, is intended to streamline pilgrims’ journeys from airports in their home countries.
Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, it involves a dedicated team that assists pilgrims, as well as buses to transport them safely and comfortably on their journey through Makkah and Madinah.
Other services provided include biometric scans, the provision of Hajj visas, and electronic luggage coding.
