Returning Hajj pilgrims face hours-long delays at JKIA as baggage chaos sparks outcry

Pilgrims arriving in Kenya from the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, have expressed frustration over prolonged delays in retrieving their luggage at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), saying the experience has overshadowed what should have been a joyful return home.

Several travellers reported waiting for hours after landing, raising concerns about the efficiency of baggage handling services during the peak arrival period for pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) National Chairman Hassan Ole Naado criticised the delays, describing them as an unacceptable ordeal for passengers who had already endured long flights.

Naado said he arrived at JKIA at around 5.30am but did not receive his luggage until approximately 8.00am.

"It is no longer an inconvenience, it is becoming a painful experience and a nightmare for our guests," he said.

"After flying for about three and a half hours from Jeddah, passengers should not be forced to spend another four hours waiting for their bags. Something must be done urgently because this situation is unacceptable."

Another returning pilgrim, Fatuma Ahmed, said many travellers, particularly the elderly, struggled to cope with the extended wait.

"We were exhausted after the journey. Some of the elderly pilgrims had difficulty standing for long periods while waiting for their luggage. The process should be improved to make arrival easier for passengers," she said.

Mohamed Hassan said many families waiting to receive their loved ones were left stranded outside the airport for hours due to the delays.

"Our relatives expected us to come out shortly after landing, but they ended up waiting for a very long time. The delays created unnecessary confusion and inconvenience for everyone involved," he said.

Khadija Abdalla called on airport authorities and relevant agencies to improve arrangements during the Hajj return season, noting that the annual pilgrimage attracts thousands of Kenyan Muslims.

"These flights are planned well in advance, and the number of pilgrims is known. Proper coordination can help reduce delays and ensure travellers are treated with dignity when they arrive home," she said.

The complaints come as hundreds of Kenyan pilgrims continue returning from Saudi Arabia following the completion of this year's Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam that draws millions of Muslims from across the world each year.