The security personnel at the two entrances were withdrawn a month ago as a result of which there is no one to stop nonpassengers from entering into an area only designated for travelers.

“When it comes to people from certain African and Asian countries, a single passenger might be accompanied by an entire family. Nonpassengers were previously stopped at the entrance. In special cases one or two nonpassengers were allowed in. Now, in the absence of any restriction, the check-in area is permanently occupied by people who are not traveling,” said an airport employee.

The North Terminal, which only receives international carriers, is served by two private companies — National Handling Services and Attar Travel. They manage check-in counters in coordination with airline staff and provide other ground-handling services. Stopping non-passengers from entering into the check-in area is also among their responsibilities. However, they have traditionally been receiving the support of security personnel in manning the entrance.

“Being the staff of a private company we cannot enforce the rule with the same authority as that of a policeman. People don’t listen and we cannot argue beyond a point,” said an employee. He also said the matter becomes especially unmanageable in the peak hours between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. when most flights leave Jeddah.

With the Umrah season picking up from the beginning of Rabi Al-Awwal/March for the last two to three years, there is additional pressure on the airport and those managing it.

He said that if policemen are not deployed at the entrance, then this summer could be a nightmare for airport staff.

He also said the check-in area should be off-limits to nonpassengers and that there is a separate hall in the departure area where passengers can sit with the people who come to see them off.

He added that certain airlines, especially those going to African destinations, are booking cargo items camouflaged as “commercial baggage,” something that is in violation of cargo rules and compromises security.

Passengers are allowed to carry baggage up to a maximum limit of 40 kg. If they exceed that limit then they are required to pay a fee, which is much more than the cargo rate. But some airlines are accepting huge amounts of baggage on rates similar to those charged for cargo. This is a violation of IATA rules. It is also leading to a loss in the government’s revenue.

He said at times such cargo is booked in on the name of passengers who do not exist or who do not know that an extra piece of baggage is booked in on their name.