Home J&K Current Affairs J&K Haj pilgrims resent baggage restrictions, seek clarity on return luggage arrangements

J&K Haj pilgrims resent baggage restrictions, seek clarity on return luggage arrangements

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30 May 2026

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Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar/Mina, May 30: A section of Haj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir has raised concerns over revised baggage allowances and luggage transportation arrangements for Haj 2026, urging the Jammu & Kashmir State Haj Committee to intervene and address the issue.

Pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia said the standard Haj baggage allowance is generally 40 kilograms of checked luggage along with 7 kilograms of hand baggage. However, they say, they have been told that owing to operational constraints and ongoing runway maintenance at Srinagar airport, pilgrims travelling through Srinagar were reportedly restricted to 25 kilograms of checked baggage plus 7 kilograms of hand luggage for the outbound journey.

The pilgrims alleged that subsequent communications regarding baggage limits created confusion, with some being informed that a total allowance of around 35 kilograms would apply for certain travel segments. Many said the changes came after they had already packed their belongings in accordance with earlier guidelines.

Concerns have intensified over return travel arrangements, with pilgrims claiming they were informed that all luggage may not travel on the same aircraft as passengers. According to reports, baggage destined for Srinagar could be routed through other cities and transported separately to Jammu and Kashmir, prompting objections from pilgrims.

The issue reportedly sparked protests by a group of J&K pilgrims in Mina, where they demanded restoration of the earlier 40-kilogram baggage allowance and sought clear information regarding the handling and transportation of their luggage during the return journey.

The Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee had earlier cited airport infrastructure limitations and flight capacity requirements for operational adjustments. Officials indicated that aircraft operating to and from Srinagar may have to fly below full capacity to comply with weight and safety restrictions linked to prevailing airport conditions.

More than 4,700 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir are participating in Haj 2026.

Pilgrims have called upon the Haj Committee to provide a detailed explanation of the baggage restrictions and clarify the arrangements for transporting luggage back to Srinagar. As of Saturday, no formal public response regarding the reported protests and concerns had been issued by the committee.

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