Marrakech – Morocco will officially launch the “Makkah Route” program at Rabat-Salé airport on Monday, May 4. The ceremony will be attended by Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq and Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Sami bin Abdullah Al-Saleh.
The expansion follows the program’s operational success at Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport. Around 17,000 Moroccan pilgrims will benefit from the service this season through both the Rabat and Casablanca hubs, covering half the national contingent of 34,000. The first flight under the program from Casablanca is scheduled for May 7.
Launched in 2018 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the initiative allows pilgrims to complete all travel formalities before leaving their home country. A Saudi Interior Ministry mission stationed at the departure airport handles electronic visa verification, health screenings, police checks, and customs clearance.
Upon landing in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims bypass immigration counters entirely and are transferred directly to their accommodations in Mecca or Medina through dedicated corridors.
The program also includes integrated baggage management. Luggage is coded, sorted, and delivered straight to pilgrims’ residences, sparing them any physical handling.
Read also: Morocco Sets Hajj 1447 Cost at MAD 63,021
Since its deployment in Morocco roughly five years ago, the system has served approximately 54,000 Moroccan pilgrims, including nearly 11,000 last season.
Globally, the initiative has benefited over 1.25 million pilgrims across countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Côte d’Ivoire. It expands this year to Senegal, Brunei, and the Maldives.
Of Morocco’s 34,000-strong Hajj quota for the 1447H season, 22,200 pilgrims fall under the official organization, and 11,800 travel through licensed agencies. Toufiq told parliament the cost under the official track has been set at MAD 63,121 ($6,312), a decrease of MAD 3,000 ($300) compared to the previous year.
Preparations have included coordination with all departments represented in the Royal Commission in charge of the pilgrimage. Authorities organized training sessions and orientation programs for pilgrims, ramped up awareness campaigns through national media and mosques, and produced guides covering each stage of the Hajj.
The ministry assigned one supervisor for every 49 pilgrims and issued digital cards containing all necessary information for the duration of the pilgrimage.
Toufiq noted that a protocol was signed with Saudi authorities on the sidelines of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition. He added that Saudi authorities awarded the Moroccan mission a distinction last year in recognition of its organizational quality.
Ambassador Al-Saleh is expected to conduct an inspection visit to the Saudi mission’s headquarters in Morocco to oversee the implementation of these services ahead of the season.
