Jeddah airport risks overcapacity, insider says

King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah runs risk of overcapacity, an airport official told local media, reports sister publication Arabian Business.

The number of passengers expected this year would be the highest registered at King Abdul Aziz Airport since it was opened, exceeding last year’s 30 million passengers, said Turki Al-Zeeb, the manager of public relations and media at the airport.

Al-Zeeb pointed out that an operational intensity of 31 million passengers was forecasted until the end of 2016 at the 8.5 million passenger capacity port.

“The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has demanded that all airlines adhere to flight schedules to avoid delays or crowd problems to departing pilgrims. It has also warned that the violating companied will be punished,” Al-Zeeb said.

King Abdul Aziz Airport’s administration has designated the Haj and Umrah hall complex for passengers since a total of 750,000 passengers are expected to leave from the Haj and Umrah hall complex on board 4,000 flights until Muharram 15, the deadline for Haj departures.