They are now entitled to a wheelchair if needed. Special travel procedures have also been put in place for them.
To help implement the initiative KAIA has partnered with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabian Airlines, Saudia Catering, Abjad Daycare Center, and Saudi Arabian Petroleum Supply Company.
“We are according top priority to the handicapped, especially girls, and extending them the best possible facilities so that they have a smooth passage through the airport until they board the aircraft,” GACA PR Director Khalid Abdullah Al-Khaibary told reporters on Wednesday. "The arrangements are designed to ease their journey at all stages and reassure them that in many cases they can travel independently without the assistance of family members. This will also be cost saving for them."
KAIA Director General Mazen Khashoggi said the airport remains committed to improving its facilities.
“In fact, we are implementing many development programs to improve our level of services and ease the flow of movement for the handicapped in general,"” he said.
A trial run at KAIA's South Terminal was held to test the new procedures and facilities, with physically disabled people taking part.
The trial began in the morning with the announcement of the “flight” through the PA system, prompting the participants to start going through luggage check-in procedures.
The passengers were then provided with boarding passes and informed of security inspection procedures, as well as rules and regulations related to carrying liquids, gels and other banned materials on board the aircraft.
Following this, Saudia hosted the group of “travelers” in its first class Alfursan lounge, where they relaxed until the flight departure time.
The first class bus then transferred them to the first class cabin of a Boeing 747.
The invitees were visibly impressed by the extensive arrangements made, which included a parking space for the handicapped, wheelchair ramps at the terminal entrance and exit points as well as low level counters in the departure terminal.
"I am delighted to see a vast number of wheelchairs at the airport and dedicated lifts for wheelchair users to reach the aircraft," said Kholoud Zahid, a handicapped female teenager.
"We have been campaigning for special arrangements for young handicapped females. We are satisfied that our voice has been heard and so the main goal of this virtual tour has been achieved," added Professor Suad Qandeel, a specialist in behavioral studies.
KAIA, which has capacity of 18 million passengers a year, is further expanding its facilities and capabilities, including new terminals to keep pace with the growing number of pilgrims as well as domestic and international tourists and business travelers.
