First Hajj 2025 Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia From Different Countries

Saudi Arabia welcomed its first Hajj 1446H pilgrims on Tuesday as international flights began arriving at the Kingdom’s major airports.

The initial flights included pilgrims from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Malaysia, with many traveling under the streamlined Makkah Route program.

396 Bangladeshi pilgrims arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah were greeted by Transport Minister Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser.

“We’ve prepared six airports to accommodate all pilgrims with maximum comfort and efficiency,” he stated, listing the designated entry points: Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, Taif, Riyadh, and Dammam international airports.

Madinah’s Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport received several Makkah Route flights, including:

• A Pakistan International Airlines flight from Islamabad
• An Air India Express flight from Hyderabad carrying 262 pilgrims
• A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur

The Makkah Route initiative continues revolutionizing the pilgrim experience by completing visa processing, customs clearance, and health checks in travelers’ home countries.

Upon landing, pilgrims bypass standard immigration queues and are transported directly to their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah.

Their luggage follows through a coordinated logistics system, arriving separately at their hotels.

Authorities have mobilized over 12,000 staff members across arrival airports to assist pilgrims. Special lanes, signage in 12 languages, and mobile assistance teams ensure smooth processing.

The Hajj terminal at Jeddah’s airport has been expanded by 25% this year to reduce waiting times.

With arrivals continuing through Dhul Qadah 20 (June 5, 2025), officials project over 1.8 million international pilgrims will participate in Hajj 2025.

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