Hajj 2025: First pilgrims arrive at Jeddah, Madinah
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Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the annual Hajj season gathered momentum on Tuesday as the first groups of pilgrims arrived through major airports across the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser personally welcomed the first group of Hajj pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The flight, carrying 396 pilgrims from Dhaka, Bangladesh, marked the beginning of a series of arrivals expected at both Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
Al-Jasser said: “Six main airports have been allocated to serve the pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.”
He emphasized that flights will continue until the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, supported by an integrated system of services to ease pilgrims’ journeys from arrival to departure, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in serving the Two Holy Mosques and worshippers.
In another flight from Bangladesh, 414 pilgrims arrived at Jeddah airport, where they were received by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia M. Delwar Hossain and officials from both countries. The ambassador extended his best wishes to the arriving pilgrims and reassured them: the Bangladesh Embassy, consulate and Hajj mission are ready to provide any needed support. The pilgrims expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and efficient arrangements. A total of 87,100 people from Bangladesh are expected to perform Hajj this year.
The Kingdom also welcomed pilgrims from Pakistan under the Makkah Route Initiative. The first flight carrying 442 beneficiaries from Islamabad arrived in Madinah on Tuesday. More than 89,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under the government’s scheme during Pakistan’s 33-day Hajj flight operation, with 342 flights scheduled until May 31.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, along with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, bid farewell to the pilgrims at the airport.
Yousaf advised: “As Hajj pilgrims, you are traveling to the sacred land as the guests of Allah and ambassadors of Pakistan, and you are urged to respect the laws and culture of Saudi Arabia.”
He added that he would "soon" travel to Saudi Arabia to review Hajj arrangements personally and ensure facilities for Pakistani pilgrims.
Highlighting the government’s support, Yousaf said the administration aims to extend the Makkah Route Initiative to more Pakistani cities in the future. Each pilgrim was also provided with a mobile SIM card featuring an application designed to help guide them, particularly in Mina.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s second Hajj flight of the day departed from Lahore, carrying 150 pilgrims to Madinah via AirSial. A total of six flights were scheduled to depart from various Pakistani cities on Tuesday, reflecting the scale of the operation.
Malaysia’s first group of Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims also arrived in Madinah on Tuesday from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The initiative, part of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior program, aims to streamline the travel experience by completing all procedures—including visa issuance, health status verification, and passport control—at the pilgrims’ home airports. Luggage is pre-coded and transported directly to their residences in Makkah and Madinah.
From India, the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Hyderabad also touched down in Madinah. A total of 262 pilgrims were greeted warmly with flowers and souvenirs by officials at the airport. The entry procedures were completed smoothly and efficiently thanks to coordinated efforts between various agencies.
Authorities have fully activated their operational plans to ensure the smooth arrival, accommodation, and movement of pilgrims, showcasing the Kingdom’s robust commitment to facilitating a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all.
