Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – King Abdulaziz International Airport

Worst airport ever!!!

This 11 hour layover to Switzerland felt like being trapped in constant misery!

The small terminal we were in was so packed, there was barely a seat or piece of floor available.

There was a Tim Hortons (yes, its true!) but not anything typical to the Canadian menu was served, and two other cafes with overpriced, terrible snacks.

The only available bathroom for women was used as a public shower.

East Indian and Arab women lined up at the sinks to either wash their feet, face, underarms and other body parts to clean themselves or ready for prayer. The floor had water flowing everywhere, and the toilets (at least there were toilets rather than the hole to squat!) were soaked with water too!

What few seats to sit on in the terminal were hard, and uncomfortable – with arm rests – so you couldn’t lay out on them to sleep.

Michael had no problem finding a spot on the cold, dirty floor to stretch out and sleep on.

I, on the other hand, had my new white North Face jacket on and wouldn’t lay on the floor.  

I finally located a small piece of wall where I could lean, stretch out my legs, and hopefully find some rest.

I eventually started to sleep but was rudely awakened as a family pushed themselves in around me.

I say rude because they were literally trying to push me out.

I refused to move.


Meanwhile, in another apart of the terminal, Michael woke from his deep sleep on the floor.

He walked the tiny terminal looking for me in the crowds of people taking up almost every piece of flooring.

Then he spotted me and took pictures.


When I saw Michael I jumped up, giving the pushy woman my space and spent the rest of the time either walking laps up and down the wee terminal or sitting in a broken chair.

Next stop…..Geneva!

S, 🇸🇦

December 16th, 2016 - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - King Abdulaziz International Airport

December 16th, 2016 - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - King Abdulaziz International Airport

December 16th, 2016 - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - King Abdulaziz International Airport - Joyful Stephanie squished in the corner

December 16th, 2016 - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - King Abdulaziz International Airport  - Joyful Stephanie squished in the corner

3 Comments Add yours

  1. mama says:

    You look so little and cute sitting in your little corner, on a hard floor, surrounded by people. Looks like you had one of the best seats on the floor. I guess one could look at these other travellers as a source of heat…eh! Glad Michael found you and you found a broken chair to sit on …. sort of!!! 11 hours to add to your memory book.Love mama 🙂

    1. That was a memory of misery!!! LoL!!!!

  2. Tish Millette says:

    I’m not sure what to say……

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