Srinagar, May 30 (KNO): As the return phase of Hajj-2026 approaches, the Jammu & Kashmir pilgrims in Mina have voiced resentment over fresh baggage restrictions, demanding restoration of the traditional 40-kilogram luggage allowance. They questioned the decision to transport baggage separately by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar.
A video accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) shows pilgrims expressing concern that the reduced baggage allowance could damage or delay their belongings, including gifts and items purchased for their families during the pilgrimage.
The pilgrims said Hajj travellers had historically been allowed to carry 40 kilograms of luggage and questioned why the policy had changed this year.
“We have been preparing for months and bought gifts and essentials for our families back home. Now, suddenly, we are being told that most of our luggage will come separately by road. We are worried our belongings may get damaged or delayed,” said one of the pilgrims.
Another pilgrim said that for years, Hajis were allowed to carry 40 kilograms of baggage. “Every year, the policy changes, and this creates confusion and stress for elderly pilgrims. We request authorities to restore the previous allowance or ensure the luggage reaches safely and quickly,” he said.
Responding to the concerns, J&K Haj Committee Chief Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi told KNO that the restrictions were linked to the ongoing runway maintenance work at Srinagar International Airport.
“As per our Hajj guidelines and the training provided to pilgrims, the normal allowance is 40 kilograms of check-in baggage plus 7 kilograms of hand baggage. However, due to the runway maintenance at Srinagar Airport and the NOTAM issued from April till October, operational limitations were imposed this year,” Dr Qureshi said.
He said that during the outbound Hajj flights, pilgrims from Srinagar embarkation were allowed to carry 25 kilograms of check-in baggage along with 7 kilograms of hand baggage.
“We allowed 25 kilograms plus 7 kilograms during departure, but when we reviewed the average luggage carried by pilgrims, it was only around 18 kilograms,” he said.
Dr Qureshi said the return flights of Hajj pilgrims to Jammu & Kashmir are scheduled to begin from June 2.
“Akasa Airlines is operating Hajj flights for four embarkation points, including Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Cochin and Bangalore. Across all these embarkations, the airline has now reduced baggage carriage to 35 kilograms plus 7 kilograms due to technical and operational issues,” he said.
The CEO, however, said Srinagar embarkation faces additional limitations because aircraft cannot land with a heavy load while the runway maintenance work continues.
“Because of the ongoing repairs, aircraft operating to Srinagar will not be able to carry the full baggage load. Therefore, 30 kilograms of luggage belonging to each pilgrim will be transported separately by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar,” he added.
The Haj Committee CEO said pilgrims returning to Srinagar will only be permitted to carry 5 kilograms of check-in baggage and 7 kilograms of hand baggage on board the flight, while the remaining baggage will reach Kashmir separately within a few days.
“Zamzam water has already arrived in Srinagar, and it will be distributed to pilgrims at the airport after arrival,” he said.
Dr Qureshi acknowledged the concerns of pilgrims who have purchased gifts and other items for their families and said efforts would be made to ensure the luggage reaches Srinagar within three to four days.
“Pilgrims requested that the baggage should remain with them, but they still have a 12-kilogram allowance on the flight. If they are carrying any perishable or important items, they should keep those with them while travelling to Srinagar,” he said—(KNO)