Public requested not to overcrowd Peshawar airport

BKIA administration concerned about vehicles causing traffic jams

PESHAWAR: Soon after a schedule was finalised for flights of pilgrims returning after Hajj, the administration of Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIA) made arrangements.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), however, has requested locals to avoid overcrowding at the airport, saying only one person per family should go to the facility to pick the pilgrims.



The officials at BKIA told The Express Tribune every year dozens of people, that too along with children, head to the airport to receive their relatives returning after performing Hajj. They added the people come in many vehicles, creating problems for those trying to enter the facility and find a parking spot.

“This is a big problem for us as security officials check vehicles as well as individuals,” an official said. “It takes up a lot of time when there too many people to check.” This is when you see traffic jams and long queues outside BKIA, he added.

He maintained people should come alone, pick their relatives from the airport and go back. This will not only help CAA do their job smoothly, he said, but will also keep the traffic flowing outside the facility.

Space issues

“Three international flights with one each from Shaheen Air International, Pakistan International Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines will arrive at the facility with at least 965 pilgrims onboard,” the official said, requesting anonymity as he was not entitled to speak to the media. “Let us only double the figure and think for a while that if over 1,800 vehicles will approach the facility, where they all will be accommodated.”

He added that if one vehicle will carry only four persons, it will make over 3,600 people.



“We are currently expanding the facility and work is under way for that,” BKIA Manager Tahir Sikandar told The Express Tribune. “But we are short of space and would like relatives of the pilgrims to not overcrowd at the facility.”

Sikandar added that presently around 400 vehicles could be accommodated, adding the capacity will be enhanced to provide space to over 1,000 vehicles once the expansion work is completed.

He said the airport administration was in contact with all the stakeholders as well as the police besides those personnel deployed to maintain smooth flow of traffic. He added security forces will be deputed during the days when the pilgrims start arriving.

“It [overcrowding] always leads to traffic jams, but since the facility is located in one of the sensitive areas of the provincial metropolis, it can also be a security risk and we won’t put lives at stake.”

Earlier, pilgrims would be dropped at Qayyum Sports Complex. However, this time, they will be going to their homes directly from the airport, which is why the airport administration has requested locals not to overcrowd at the facility.

Flights

Three flights with 965 pilgrims on board will arrive at BKIA on Saturday (today). This was mentioned in a handout issued on Friday.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2016.