RIYADH: Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport on Monday with the Kingdom’s ambassador to Turkiye in attendance. A lounge was set up at the airport in Ankara, making it the second Turkish airport to facilitate Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims, Saudi Press Agency reported. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries. As part of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is also issued in the pilgrim’s country. The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that health requirements are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage will be coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements. Pilgrims will be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner agencies will transport their luggage separately.