Indonesia`s hajj pilgrims preparing to perform peak of hajj

A total of 3,570 people forming the last batch of would-be Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia departed from four airports across the country for King Abdul Aziz airport in Jidda, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday (Nov 21).

Heavy rain and swine flu fears hamper Hajj

Heavy rainstorms have hampered the start of the annual Muslim pilgrimage, the Hajj, in the Saudi city of Mecca.

The authorities have warned pilgrims to take care in the rain at the event, which usually attracts about two million Muslims from around the world.

Fatal stampedes have marred the pilgrimage in the past, and many of the visitors stay in tents.

A senior Saudi official has also told the BBC that fears over swine flu may keep some 40% of local pilgrims away.

Four people attending the Hajj have so far died from the H1N1 virus, but officials have sought to play down the risk.

Haj Terminal Gets a Facelift

The King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah got a major facelift before the annual pilgrimage last year.
After a year of work on developing and modernising the airport, pilgrims were able to see the difference with new terminals, arrival lounge and special rooms for sick pilgrims.
Makkah Governor Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, who inspected the airport’s Southern Terminal before Haj, praised the development.