JEDDAH: Strict security measures have been taken at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, where only travelers are allowed in the arrival and departure halls.
External courtyards have been allocated to those wishing to see off or welcome travelers. But only few chairs are not enough to accommodate the number of people.
People praised the security measures, but also complained about the lack of services, requesting air-conditioned halls to put up with the high temperatures.
Abdul Kareem Al-Harbi, who had come to the airport to welcome his wife and children, said he was prevented from entering the airport.
“I tried very hard to explain the reasons that made me come and I clarified how important it was to be able to help my wife, who was traveling with my four children, carry the bags and help the children, but I was not allowed in and had wait for over an hour.”
He added: “She was looking terrible holding the hand of one child and pushing the cart with the other hand, while the rest of the children were left behind. The electric door even closed on them, but she could return to bring them out.”
Al-Harbi said: “I hope a mechanism will be worked out for such cases,” adding that more chairs also need to be installed for those waiting. “About 20 are not enough.”
He also complained about the lack of a mosque to pray and of toilets — services that are needed at the airport.
Sudanese resident Abdullah Abdul Razak Tijani said: “I was surprised by the new regulations. It would have been very helpful to have these procedures published for people to know what to expect.”
The airport management has taken strict security measures after the recent spate of bombings in Madinah, Jeddah and Qatif, and also the explosions at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport.
A number of gates in the arrival and departure halls have been closed, and security guards and airport employees closely scrutinize travel documents.
External courtyards have been allocated to those wishing to see off or welcome travelers. But only few chairs are not enough to accommodate the number of people.
People praised the security measures, but also complained about the lack of services, requesting air-conditioned halls to put up with the high temperatures.
Abdul Kareem Al-Harbi, who had come to the airport to welcome his wife and children, said he was prevented from entering the airport.
“I tried very hard to explain the reasons that made me come and I clarified how important it was to be able to help my wife, who was traveling with my four children, carry the bags and help the children, but I was not allowed in and had wait for over an hour.”
He added: “She was looking terrible holding the hand of one child and pushing the cart with the other hand, while the rest of the children were left behind. The electric door even closed on them, but she could return to bring them out.”
Al-Harbi said: “I hope a mechanism will be worked out for such cases,” adding that more chairs also need to be installed for those waiting. “About 20 are not enough.”
He also complained about the lack of a mosque to pray and of toilets — services that are needed at the airport.
Sudanese resident Abdullah Abdul Razak Tijani said: “I was surprised by the new regulations. It would have been very helpful to have these procedures published for people to know what to expect.”
The airport management has taken strict security measures after the recent spate of bombings in Madinah, Jeddah and Qatif, and also the explosions at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport.
A number of gates in the arrival and departure halls have been closed, and security guards and airport employees closely scrutinize travel documents.
