JEDDAH Correspondent: Saudi Arabia has launched its Hajj season operations with a strong emphasis on technology, efficiency, and pilgrim comfort, as the first flights under the Makkah Route Initiative arrived in the Kingdom.Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser personally inspected the dedicated terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where he welcomed pilgrims arriving from Bangladesh. During his visit, he reviewed streamlined procedures designed to reduce waiting times and enhance service quality for pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey.Al-Jasser highlighted that the Kingdom’s transport and logistics sector is operating under an integrated, technology-driven strategy, incorporating modern systems and artificial intelligence to ensure seamless travel. He said these efforts align with the broader national vision to serve pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques with greater efficiency and care.Earlier, the first Makkah Route flight landed at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah from Istanbul Airport. Additional flights carrying pilgrims arrived from Pakistan and Afghanistan, marking a coordinated international rollout of the initiative.Authorities confirmed full operational readiness across all entry points, with the General Directorate of Passports deploying advanced technologies and multilingual staff to ensure smooth processing throughout the Hajj season.The Makkah Route Initiative enables pilgrims to complete key travel procedures in their home countries, including biometric registration, visa issuance, and passport verification. Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly to accommodations in Makkah and Madinah via dedicated routes, while their luggage is handled separately and delivered to their residences.This year, the initiative serves pilgrims from multiple countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Morocco, with Senegal and Brunei joining for the first time.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism has begun welcoming pilgrims with organized reception programs that showcase Saudi hospitality. Officials said coordination between government agencies and private-sector partners aims to ensure high standards in accommodation and services.Inspection teams have been deployed to monitor compliance across hospitality facilities, while pilgrims have been encouraged to seek assistance or lodge complaints through the Unified Tourism Center hotline.Saudi authorities say the combined efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience from arrival to departure.