By: Abdul-Wahab Jawando, Saudi Arabia (Marhaba 99.3 FM)
WHAT BEGAN as a joyful spiritual journey for many Ghanaian pilgrims ended in disappointment for some as strict baggage regulations forced them to leave behind valuable belongings at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Thousands of Ghanaian Muslims who travelled to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj described the pilgrimage as a life-changing experience filled with faith, gratitude and spiritual fulfilment.
From their arrival in Madinah to their prayers at the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, many pilgrims expressed excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to perform one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.
However, emotional scenes unfolded at the airport during departure as several pilgrims struggled to comply with airline baggage rules.
According to observations at the airport, many pilgrims reported with hand luggage exceeding the approved 10-kilogram limit, despite repeated announcements and warnings from officials. Others carried oversized bags containing food items and newly purchased goods.
Airline officials insisted on enforcing the agreed baggage policy, leaving affected pilgrims with no option but to remove excess items before boarding. Among the goods abandoned at the airport were dried meat, milk, sugar, tea, canned drinks, bottled water and other food products. Some pilgrims also lost clothing and souvenirs they had purchased during their stay in the Kingdom.
The enforcement of the regulations triggered frustration and sadness among some travellers, with a number of them shedding tears after realizing they could not carry all their belongings back to Ghana.
Witnesses said the scenes were a sharp contrast to the joy and excitement that greeted the pilgrims upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia several weeks earlier.
Some pilgrims admitted they underestimated the restrictions, while others hoped airport authorities would make exceptions. A few even resorted to wearing multiple layers of clothing in an attempt to reduce the weight of their luggage, but the effort yielded little success.
The development has served as a strong reminder to the remaining pilgrims awaiting their return flights to strictly observe baggage requirements and avoid carrying items beyond the approved limits.
While the Hajj pilgrimage remains a memorable and spiritually rewarding experience, the airport incidents have highlighted the importance of adhering to travel regulations to ensure a smooth journey home.
For many of the affected pilgrims, the lessons learned at Jeddah Airport may remain one of the most unforgettable parts of their Hajj experience.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
