Jeddah airport sees chaotic scenes due to overcrowding
The King Abdulaziz International Airport on Tuesday witnessed chaotic scenes with large numbers of departing passengers coming well before their flights’ scheduled time causing overcapacity.
The overcrowding was triggered by the arrival of departing pilgrims who came well before their flight time. They chose to squat on floors in the lounges and parking for lack of seating arrangements. Officials blamed the Tawafah establishments for the congestion because they bring their pilgrims to the airport at least 12 hours before the flight’s departure time.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has warned companies who send their pilgrims 12 hours before the flight departure time. The ministry has vowed to slap strict fines on the violating companies while also laying punitive measures of banning them from operating for one year.
