Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is advising pilgrims heading for Mecca to arrive well in advance to avoid any departure delays during the September Hajj period.
Acsa CTIA said in a statement that it had been working closely with the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC), as well the South African Tour Operators Association (SATOA), to ensure that the process was smooth for all airport users. The airport had already facilitated domestic and international travel for more than 800 pilgrims during September.
“We would like to urge passengers to arrive early for the check-in process and also take advantage of the online check-in facility offered by their airline,” said Deborah Francis, acting communications manager at CTIA.
“Passengers using the online check-in service should allow themselves enough time to drop off their luggage with their airlines. We encourage pilgrims and other passengers to be at the airport at least three hours prior to their international flights and two hours prior to their domestic flight,” she said.
Acsa also advised families dropping off passengers at the airport to make use of mosques in their residential areas as the prayer facility at the airport has limited space.
