Ankara, The Ministry of Interior’s Makkah Route Initiative, part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, is committed to facilitating pilgrims’ travel procedures from Ankara Esenboga International Airport to the Kingdom.
The initiative ensures luggage is delivered directly to pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, eliminating the hassle of collecting bags upon arrival.
Luggage is a constant worry for travelers, and Hajj is no exception. Recognizing this, the Makkah Route Initiative leverages cutting-edge technology to create a smooth and efficient luggage handling process.
The journey begins at the airport’s baggage drop-off. This year, the initiative introduced RFID technology, allowing for quick electronic reading of pilgrim data.
A dedicated team then sorts pilgrims by their final destinations in Makkah or Madinah and assigns each hotel a unique code and color for faster identification.
Fifteen minutes before the plane lands, designated luggage transport vehicles are pr
e-positioned within the airport. To ensure zero loss, a four-point inspection system is implemented. The first inspection happens upon arrival, with the technology reading 400 bags in just 20 seconds.
After clearing Saudi customs, the luggage undergoes a second check. It is then sorted by color code onto designated carts for transport.
A third inspection takes place after loading, followed by a final check before reaching the hotels. In the rare case of lost luggage, the system allows for immediate identification and swift recovery.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
