Official cites Sgr airport maintenance
5kg check-in, rest by road: Haj Committee
‘Zamzam already in Srinagar’
Ovaise Gul
Srinagar, May 30: Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have expressed concern over newly announced baggage restrictions and the decision to transport their luggage by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar, fearing inconvenience and delays in receiving their belongings upon arrival, officials said.
The concerns emerged after the Haj Committee informed pilgrims that due to aircraft landing weight restrictions and operational constraints at Srinagar International Airport (which is under maintenance), only 5 kilograms of check-in baggage per passenger would be allowed on Srinagar-bound flights from Ahmedabad. While one hand baggage weighing up to 7 kilograms has also been permitted, the remaining luggage, up to 30 kilograms per pilgrim, will be transported separately by road.
Many aspirants said the arrangement could create difficulties, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those carrying essential personal items, medicines, and gifts for family members. Some expressed apprehension about the safety and timely delivery of their baggage, while others questioned the short notice given for the revised guidelines. Pilgrims also pointed out that after spending weeks in Saudi Arabia, they would have preferred to receive all their belongings upon arrival in Srinagar.
The Jammu & Kashmir Association of Hajj & Umrah Companies (JKAHUC) expressed concern regarding the decision. M. Younis Zahid, Secretary General JKAHUC, appealed to the Haj Committee of India and the CEO of the UT Haj Committee to review the arrangement in the interest of pilgrims.
“It is a long-standing tradition that upon returning from the holy pilgrimage, Hujjaj-e-Kiram are welcomed by their families, relatives, friends, and well-wishers, during which pilgrims customarily distribute Zamzam water, dates, and other items brought from Makkah and Madinah. Any delay in baggage delivery would cause considerable inconvenience and disappointment,” he said.
The Association urged authorities to make suitable arrangements to ensure pilgrims receive their baggage simultaneously with their arrival, preserving the dignity and comfort of the Hajj journey.
Executive Officer of the J&K Haj Committee, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, acknowledged the concern but stated the decision was taken because Srinagar International Airport is under maintenance. He said Akasa Airlines reduced the weight limit due to technical issues, and heavy weightage cannot be handled at the airport at present.
“Only 7 kg shoulder bags and 5 kg check-in bags will be allowed on flights, and the rest of the luggage will be shifted via road from Ahmedabad. Zamzam has already arrived and will be provided to Hajis in Srinagar. We will ensure that the baggage reaches within 2-3 days,” he said.