Bandar Seri Begawan - The Haj Management Department and Department of Civil Aviation are advising and seeking cooperation from the public, particularly family members of the Haj pilgrims, to ensure the smooth movement upon arrival of the Haj pilgrims at the Brunei International Airport.

This year there are a total of 400 Haj pilgrims from Brunei Darussalam that will be arriving on two flights. The first flight of 135 Haj pilgrims is expected to arrive in the country on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 9am and the second flight with 265 Haj pilgrims is expected to arrive on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 4.55pm.

In view of the current renovation works at the Brunei International Airport, the relevant authorities advised that the number of family members who wish to welcome the Haj pilgrims be limited to avoid unnecessary congestion at the airport.

The Haj Management Department, the Department of Civil Aviation and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) yesterday conducted a media briefing to explain the facilities available at the airport and ways to ensure smooth operation and safety at the Brunei International Airport during the arrival of Haj pilgrims to the country.

Speaking at the media briefing yesterday, Abdurahman Abdul Aziz, Assistant Chief Executive Officer/Head of Corporate Services of BEDB said, car parking pass to enter P1 car parking area, which is a selected location for welcoming the Haj pilgrims will be distributed beginning Monday, October 29, 2012 and Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at the Haj Management Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Block 'A', Bangunan Perdagangan Baitul Mal, Jalan Kota Batu from 8am to 11am and 2pm until 3.30pm.

The Haj Management Department seeks cooperation from family members to appoint a representative who will be given tasks to welcome the arrival of the Haj pilgrims at the already stated location and date.

These steps are taken to avoid traffic congestion at the main terminal building while at the same time ensuring smooth operation at the airport as well as the convenience of other passengers arriving and departing from the airport.

He said a total of 439 car parking spaces will be provided at the location (P1) areas. The meeters-and-greeters hall will be closed to the public 45 minutes prior to the arrival of the Haj flight.

The new P1 car parking area near the airport roundabout will be the assembly point for family members who wish to welcome the arrival of the Haj pilgrims. The parking lots are strictly for those with car pass - to be placed on the left side of the car. The P1 car parking area is expected to be completed this coming Monday.

The briefing was held at Asy Asyura conference room, at the airport's Departure Hall. Also present was Hj Abdullah Hj Mohamad, Acting Director of the Haj Management Department, Acting Director of Department of Civil Aviation, Poh Eng Hong and Lee San San, Infrastructure Development Manager at BEDB and other officers.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin