King Abdul Aziz International Airport has adopted a raft of new measures to ensure that this year's Haj season is a complete success. Under the new arrangements, 500 pilgrims will be processed every 15 minutes. The plans were made in response to the wishes of King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The King urged authorities “to facilitate the processing of pilgrims and work day and night to make them feel comfortable upon arrival and departure from Saudi Arabia.” Commander of the Passports Department forces, Colonel Khalafallah Obeidullah Al-Twairqi said: “We started preparing for this Haj season last year. We have learned from last year's mistakes. Airport staff have been trained to provide the highest service to pilgrims.” The Passports Department is on high alert for pilgrims using fake passports and those with criminal records. The pilgrim lounges are equipped with 142 counters each with computer, camera and fingerprint biometrics systems, according to a report in Al-Madina newspaper. Col. Al-Twairqi warned that “if anyone was caught with a counterfeit passport, he will be investigated and deported back to his country”. Staff have been trained to cope with pilgrims of all cultural backgrounds, nationalities, education and literacy levels. They are keen to avoid a repeat of a fiasco where thousands of Egyptians were stranded at the airport a few months ago. __
