MoMA clarifies special baggage arrangements for Hajj pilgrims

Srinagar, June 1: The Ministry of Minority Affairs has clarified that temporary baggage arrangements have been put in place for returning Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir due to operational restrictions at Srinagar Airport arising from ongoing runway maintenance and aviation safety requirements.

In a statement, the Ministry said that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued for Srinagar Airport, along with temporary runway length restrictions, has led to payload limitations on aircraft operations. The restrictions have necessitated adjustments to baggage handling for Haj return flights to ensure uninterrupted flight schedules and passenger safety.

According to the Ministry, Haj pilgrims travelling on Akasa Air will return to the Srinagar Embarkation Point via Ahmedabad. Under the arrangement, pilgrims will be permitted to carry their full 35 kg check-in baggage allowance from Saudi Arabia to Ahmedabad.

However, owing to payload restrictions on the Ahmedabad–Srinagar sector, only 5 kg of checked baggage per pilgrim will be carried on the flight to Srinagar. The remaining 30 kg baggage will be transported separately by road and delivered to Srinagar.

The Ministry emphasized that there is no change in the cabin baggage allowance for pilgrims.

Clarifying the reasons behind the arrangement, the Ministry said the decision has been necessitated solely by airport operational constraints and aviation safety considerations and should not be viewed in any other context.

The statement added that the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Haj Committee of India and Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee are working in close coordination with airlines and other stakeholders to ensure the safe, smooth and dignified return of all pilgrims.

“Safety cannot be compromised, and all decisions have been taken in the best interests of the pilgrims,” the Ministry said, while appealing for cooperation from pilgrims affected by the temporary baggage arrangements.

The clarification comes amid concerns among returning pilgrims regarding the transportation of their luggage. Authorities have assured that the baggage being transported by road will be handled separately and delivered to Srinagar in a systematic manner.