Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH/JEDDAH — Four international flights that were scheduled to depart from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh were canceled after a malfunction in the baggage carousel occurred. A source said that more than 70 international flights were delayed due to the backlog of baggage at the baggage carousel area. "Conveyer belts of the carousel are very old and have malfunctioned several times in the past forcing airlines employees to pull the luggage out and apologize to travelers for the delays. Many travelers have missed hotel bookings, hospital appointments and other plans," said the source. The source also said that some of the travelers even stayed overnight at the airport waiting for their next flight. "A number of foreign travelers have even threatened to sue the airlines for the financial losses suffered by them. The airport needs to renew its facilities and provide better organization for flights and luggage," said the source. Saad Saud, a traveler, said that King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh are always unorganized during peak seasons. "Foreign travelers are angry at mismanagement, but we are used to it. The airports must improve their services because it is tarnishing the image of the Kingdom," said Saud. Abdullah Al-Deeb said the delay is a frequent phenomenon at King Abdulaziz International Airport. "We are not provided with any information on the delay. We are not even compensated for the delay. Domestic travelers are now discouraged from using King Khalid International Airport due to frequent delays in luggage and flights," said Al-Deeb. Abdulrahman Al-Shammary, another traveler, said these problems are not the responsibility of the service companies only. "The airports are more than 35 years old," he said.
