Pilgrims decry prolonged baggage delays at JKIA after hajj return
Over the past few days, pilgrims arriving in the country have complained of lengthy waits to collect their luggage.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has come under criticism over prolonged delays in baggage handling for pilgrims returning from the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Over the past few days, pilgrims arriving in the country have complained of lengthy waits to collect their luggage, saying the delays have caused frustration and inconvenience after their long journeys home.
The concerns were amplified by Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Chairman Hassan Ole Naado, who described the situation as a nightmare for travellers arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
"It is becoming a painful experience and a nightmare for our guests. After flying for three and a half hours from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, passengers are forced to spend another four hours waiting for their luggage. Something needs to be done urgently. This is unacceptable," Ole Naado said in a post on his X account on June 10.
The delays, which pilgrims say have persisted since the return flights began, have left many exhausted travellers stranded at the airport for hours. Some reported waiting for more than five hours before receiving their baggage.
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Expressing his frustration, Abdulmajid Abdulkarim said the delays had taken a toll on pilgrims who were eager to reunite with their families after the physically demanding Hajj rituals and the long journey back home.
"This issue needs urgent attention. Whatever they are doing is not acceptable. Keeping people waiting for more than five hours to collect their baggage is a serious matter," he said.
He further noted that airport authorities had not provided any explanation for the delays in baggage processing, adding to the frustration among passengers.
Similar concerns were raised by Asha Adan, who arrived in the country on Sunday. She pointed out that passengers arriving on other international flights, particularly from Europe, had their luggage processed much faster and were able to leave the airport within an hour of arrival.
"There appears to be a deliberate delay by the Kenya Airports Authority that is frustrating pilgrims. They are treating Muslims unfairly," she told Sahifa Media.
