Sami Ahmad Badr, Director of Haj and Umrah Affairs at King Abdul Aziz International Airport here, said Sunday that alternative planes would be provided to stranded pilgrims if the air carrier does not fulfill its commitments. The erring airlines will have to foot the bill in such a case, he said. Such negligence, he said, will be tackled according to a specific mechanism. It includes providing drinks to the passengers if the plane is late for three hours at the airlines' expense. If the carrier is late for six hours, the passengers are provided accommodation in a hotel at the expense of the negligent carrier. If the carrier is late for a longer period, alternative planes will be provided to the passengers. Badr said eight new halls would be opened to serve Haj and Umrah pilgrims at the Pilgrims' Complex in King Abdul Aziz International Airport. He expects an increase of over 30 percent in Umrah pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan. He said the development project for the Haj halls in the airport would be operational next year. Badr said 6,900 flights have arrived till Sunday while 8,880 flights departed from KAIA Jeddah.
