Comprehensive preparations are underway at Velana International Airport for the official rollout of the Makkah Route Initiative, which will streamline the departure process for Maldivian pilgrims travelling for Hajj 1446H. The initiative is scheduled to be inaugurated on 26 May 2025, coinciding with the departure of the first flight carrying pilgrims from the Maldives.
A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrived earlier this week to oversee the implementation of the initiative. Their mission is to coordinate and finalize operational procedures with Maldivian counterparts. The advance team has already engaged in a series of consultative meetings with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and key institutional stakeholders involved in the Hajj travel process. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has been closely monitoring the ongoing preparations to ensure the smooth execution of the initiative.
As part of the arrangements, a Saudi Arabia support team comprising 26 officials is also expected to arrive in the Maldives to assist in the delivery of services under the Makkah Route Initiative. The Saudi Arabia delegation is working hand-in-hand with local institutions to test and validate systems and processes in preparation for the first Hajj flight. Testing of the immigration and logistics systems has already been conducted using this year’s Hajj travel roster organized by the Maldives Hajj Corporation. These trials have helped both Maldivian and Saudi teams to fine-tune procedures and ensure that all mechanisms are in place for a successful launch.
The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to improve the pilgrim experience by enabling travelers to complete Saudi immigration formalities at Velana International Airport before departure. This includes passport verification, fingerprint scanning, and customs procedures. By completing these steps in Malé, pilgrims will avoid extended processing times at Jeddah Airport, allowing for a more comfortable and efficient transition upon arrival in the Kingdom.
According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, this service enhancement marks a new phase in the Maldives’ participation in international pilgrimage facilitation efforts. The Makkah Route Initiative will significantly reduce transit challenges, improve coordination between agencies, and ensure that Maldivian pilgrims receive dignified, seamless service throughout their journey.
The upcoming inauguration of the Makkah Route Initiative reflects the close cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia and reinforces the shared commitment to elevating the spiritual experience of pilgrims through efficient, well-managed service delivery.
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