JEDDAH, 8 December 2003 — The regulations of the Presidency of Civil Aviation for the upcoming Haj were the focus of a meeting of representatives of government departments and international airlines yesterday.
“The regulations aim to make the transport of Haj pilgrims safer and more comfortable,” said Saudi Arabian Airlines Director General Dr. Khaled Ben-Bakr, who chaired the meeting.
The new guidelines define the technical measures and operational provisions applied on all flights.
The meeting reviewed traffic operations during the last Haj and found that certain procedural and operational changes are necessary. The latest regulations include all necessary arrangements to secure the return of pilgrims to their destinations after the annual pilgrimage.
Dr. Ben-Bakr said Saudi Arabian Airlines convened the meeting to discuss and coordinate efforts and ensure full implementation of the regulations.
A coordination office of the Board of Airlines Representatives in Saudi Arabia (BARSA) will work round-the-clock at the Haj Terminal throughout the pilgrimage season to coordinate official and airline efforts, a BARSA spokesman said.
