Jeddah Airport
This is an old trip report from 2016 When it was not possible to visit Saudi Arabia if not doing a pilgrimage.
After my 4-hour wait following my arrival from Dhaka, I’m now on my way to my final flight home. Today, I’m lucky—the flight is operated by the Boeing 777-300, registration HZ-AK28, delivered just 6 months earlier in August 2015 to Saudia, painted in the livery showcasing the Kingdom’s various tourist destinations (absolutely stunning). Unfortunately, the only people who can visit these places are either pilgrims or Saudis, as the country does not issue tourist visas.
As I mentioned in my previous flight report, the terminal is truly inadequate for an airport with Jeddah’s level of traffic. Most passengers in transit or departing from Jeddah are forced to wait sitting on the floor due to the lack of seating.
This aircraft have since that tile been repainted in the curent Saudia livery celebrating 75 years anniversary
The aircraft
Boarding the plane is done by bus, and since today’s flight is far from full—maybe 80 passengers on a Boeing 777-300—I take the opportunity to photograph the special livery. Many other passengers do the same.
the current livery
it s time to board the aircraft
cabin and inflight service
Since boarding is at gate 2, I take the opportunity to photograph the Business Class cabin, which is configured in a 2+2+2 layout.
Here’s your translation into English:
The Economy Class cabin, on the other hand, is configured in a 3+3+3 layout, which is very rare since airlines usually aim to offer low fares and therefore maximize the number of passengers on board.
As you can see, the last Economy Class cabin is almost empty, with only 4 passengers. I wonder what the load factors are like on the Paris route outside of the pilgrimage seasons.
A prayer room is located before door 5. It is used for preparing the newspapers that will be offered to passengers before takeoff. There is only one French newspaper, Le Monde. The rest are Gulf newspapers in Arabic or English.
At the end of boarding, refreshing towels and amenity kits containing socks, a toothbrush, and a mask are offered.
A snack is offered shortly after takeoff. Since most passengers are already asleep, the service is very quick.
Here’s your translation into English:
I take the opportunity to watch one or two movies. The menu on the welcome page is available in Arabic, English, or French. Some scenes in the movie I’m watching are cut to avoid showing overly suggestive female content—Saudi Arabia’s standards, of course.
The quality of the headphones is still quite basic.
The cabin lights are dimmed to the minimum level but not turned off, which is rather strange for a night flight when passengers want to sleep and avoid having light shining directly in their faces, even if it’s dim.
Here’s your translation into English:
We are approaching France, and breakfast is being served—either hot or cold. I’ll go with the cold option, which I find quite substantial.
sweets are offered before landing
Upon our arrival at CDG, I retrieve my suitcase 25 minutes later, only to find one of its wheels torn off and the fabric ripped. A report is filed by the subcontracted handling company.
Here’s something to note: To get reimbursed for repair costs or the purchase of a new suitcase, you must fill out a form on the airline’s website. However, after completing the form, the company’s website refuses to save it. After sending several emails to which I never received any response, and calling the baggage service in Jeddah (where the staff speak very little English), as well as the CDG stopover office, which only redirects me to the airline’s website, I decide—four months later—to send a letter to the airline’s office in Paris. Luckily, I reach competent people who take the necessary steps to reimburse me for the new suitcase.
So, if I can give you one piece of advice: contact the Saudia office in Paris directly.
