“We will use the old terminals to receive pilgrims, but we have also set up seven new terminals to receive the largest number of pilgrims,” said Al-Khaibari.
“Until now we have received about 856 flights from around the world. A total of 200,136 pilgrims have arrived since Oct. 20.”
CAA, in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Health has also installed thermal cameras that can detect swine flu cases.
“We have already established special rooms for receiving swine flu cases, in addition to having prepared medical personnel to conduct swine flu tests,” added Al-Khaibari.
Special training has also been provided to the airport’s cleaning staff on measures to help avoid infection, he said.
According to Al-Khaibari, the new terminals have the latest technology to link various parts of the airport, including the use of moveable bridges.
“The new terminals have the capacity to receive 3700 passengers every hour in prime time,” he added.
He said there are a number of other developments taking place at the airport.
“When these new projects are completed, King Abdul Aziz International Airport will have 10 movable bridges, 13 terminals, and four additional lounges to receive arriving pilgrims,” added Al-Khaibari.
He said that the large number of pilgrims coming for Haj had forced CAA to make continual changes at the airport.
“We will be working continually to increase the capacity of the airport, in particular making the best use of the time between the arrivals of various flights from around the world,” Al-Khaibari explained.
He said that there has been a well-coordinated effort from all organizations and bodies dealing with the Haj.
According to Al-Khaibari, several meetings have been held between CAA, the King Abdul Aziz International Airport management, traffic management, police, and Jeddah’s health affairs management aimed at tackling safety procedures. “Some members of the Central Haj Committee will oversee the work done by the various public bodies at King Abdul Aziz International Airport,” he said.
Al-Khaibari added that a number of issues have also received attention, including how to make sure that pilgrims’ luggage has been adequately sorted and stored.
There has also been a focus on making sure flights arrive in limited time periods, from Oct. 20 until Nov. 21 The departure times have also been set from Dec.1 to until Jan 2. 2010.
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