O.R. Tambo International Airport ready for the 2008 Hajj season
At least five thousand South African pilgrims destined to perform Hajj in Mecca will pass through O.R. Tambo International Airport when the first flight leaves this Sunday (26.10 .08) .Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has made special arrangements this year by allocating the former International Trade Bureau (ITB) to accommodate pilgrims and family and friends that plan to come to the airport
According to ACSA’s Group Manager for Strategic Planning, Wasfie Ismail, “In anticipation of large numbers of people expected for this year’s Hajj season at O.R. Tambo, we consulted closely with the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) before determining that the pilgrims and their meeters and greeters would be best provided for in this facility.”
The ITB is located opposite the international terminal building, a short 5 minutes walk from international departures. ACSA is requesting that only pilgrims make their way directly to international departures for check-in before going down to the ITB to greet family and friends. This, says Ismail, “will substantially reduce congestion in the international terminal building and will make it more comfortable for friends and family to see their loved ones off.”
ACSA has advised of the following:
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Signage located at various areas within the airport precinct will direct people to the ITB
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Look out for numerous ACSA i-Help agents that have been allocated to help anyone who might find themselves lost
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Pilgrims originating from Gauteng and those arriving at O.R. Tambo’s domestic terminal building should first check-in at International Departures (located on the upper level) before making their way to the ITB
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Family members and friends should make their way directly to the ITB
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Salaah facilities will be provided for
Tasniem Patel
Senior Communication Officer
O.R. Tambo International Airport
Airports Company South Africa
Direct: +27 (0) 11 921 6381
Main: +27 (0) 11 921 6911
Fax to E-Mail: +27 (0) 86 607 1143
Fax: +27 (0) 11 921 6422
Cell: +27 (0) 82 312 1109
E-Mail: Tasniem.Patel@airports.co.za
Web: www.acsa.co.za
