Okaz/Saudi Gazette JAZAN — A blame-game is on at the Jazan Airport. Travelers are bitter and complain of the long queues and a crammed space at the airport and the administration blaming the former for the mess. Ali Al-Khaldi, a traveler, said the terminals of Jazan Airport are always crowded. "Authorities are always boasting in news reports that work is under way to renovate and expand the airport facilities, but nothing of that sort is seen anywhere. The airport lounges are constantly crowded and booking a ticket takes days. I have been trying to book a flight to Riyadh for the past ten days but I can't even get my name on the waiting list," said Al-Khaldi. He added the airport needs more and bigger airplanes, that is the only solution for the number of travelers from Jazan. Ibrahim Khawaji said he has been trying to book a flight to Riyadh for the past 15 days. "I want to go to Riyadh to see my sons. I couldn't find a single empty seat for two weeks. The airport should provide bigger airplanes with more seats and a larger capacity," said Khawaji. Ali Mashi said some of the travelers need to be in Riyadh for medical reasons. "One of the travelers at the airport had a medical appointment for his son in Riyadh. He tried to book a ticket but couldn't. He eventually bought a first-class ticket from another traveler who was willing to travel some other day," said Mashi. Nawaf Al-Shammary said he came to Jazan as a tourist and now he is trying to travel to Riyadh to no avail. "I have been trying for the past three days to book a ticket to Riyadh but could not find any seat. The airport should provide more airplanes," said Al-Shammary. A source from the airport administration said the travelers do not book their tickets days in advance which is the main reason why many cannot find bookings. "We get many travelers who show up at the airport and expect to find a flight within a few hours. They must book in advance if they want to guarantee a seat," said the source.
