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Saudi Arabia has started the ‘Mecca Route’ initiative in Senegal for the convenience of Hajj pilgrims. With this service launched on 9 May 2026, passengers there will no longer have to stand in long lines at the airport. This step has been taken to make Haj pilgrimage easy and comfortable.

: Hajj 2026 Update: First pilgrims from Senegal arrive in Saudi, with the new facility no longer have to wait at the airport.

What is Corn Root and how does it work?

Under this initiative, travelers complete all entry formalities in Saudi Arabia before leaving their country. This includes issuing electronic Haj visas, collecting biometric data and the process of passport control.

• Luggage feature: Passengers’ luggage is coded and sorted according to their place of stay in Saudi Arabia.
• Direct Travel: Because of this, after reaching the Saudi airport, the passengers avoid the lengthy procedures there and go directly to their places of residence in Mecca and Medina by buses.

Key points and figures to this initiative

The Maize Route Initiative is now in its eighth year. Till now 12,54,994 passengers have availed the benefit of this service which was started in the year 2017. The project is an important part of Saudi Vision 2030’s ‘Pilgrim Experience Programme’.

In April 2026, it was announced that Senegal and Brunei Darussalam would be added to the list as new countries for the 2026 Hajj season. In Senegal, this service has been started at Blaise Dion International Airport.

Which departments did this work together?

This entire campaign was led by the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia. Many other government departments have also cooperated in this:

• Key Associates: Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Media and Directorate General of Passports.
• Technical and Logistics: Saudi Post (SPL) handled baggage sorting and logistics, while stc Group helped as digital and technology partner.

The launch event was attended by senior officials such as Major General Saleh Al-Murabba, Acting Director General of the Directorate General of Passports, and Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What benefit will Hajis get from Mecca Route?

Hajis will not have to wait for visa and passport checks at Saudi airports. Their luggage will be pre-sorted, so they can reach straight to their accommodation.

For which new countries has this facility started in 2026?

Senegal and Brunei Darussalam have been included as new members in the Mecca Route Initiative for the 2026 Hajj season.