By Ibrahim Muhammad
The newly introduced luggage policy for the 2026 Hajj, which allows each pilgrim to travel with two 23kg suitcases and one backpack, is raising operational and logistical concerns among Hajj stakeholders.
Previously, Nigerian pilgrims were permitted one 32kg suitcase and an 8kg hand luggage for their return journey from Saudi Arabia. While the revised policy aligns with international airline standards, Hajj operations differ substantially from regular commercial flights, especially given the unique demographics of Nigerian pilgrims.
Inexperienced Travellers, Growing Burden
Unlike regular air passengers, an estimated 60 to 70 percent of Nigerian pilgrims come from rural communities and have little or no prior air travel experience. Many are unfamiliar with aviation procedures, including baggage regulations, despite ongoing sensitization efforts.
Even with enlightenment campaigns, many pilgrims still struggle to adhere to baggage limits and often attempt to carry excess items. Under the new dual-bag policy, the number of checked-in bags could double, creating significant logistical challenges.
For an estimated 65,000 Nigerian pilgrims, airlines will now handle about 130,000 pieces of luggage, requiring additional manpower, more screening, increased transportation needs, and extended check-in and turnaround times—all of which could drive up operational costs.
Policy Misalignment and Economic Reality
The irony, observers note, is that while luggage capacity has increased, the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA)—which determines pilgrims’ purchasing power—remains $500. This means the additional 14kg allowance per pilgrim may not reduce incidents of excess luggage.
Past experience shows a cultural tendency among Nigerian pilgrims to overpack, often carrying extra cartons, overstuffed bags, or multiple hand luggages. As a result, “artificially pregnant” bags may continue to be a common sight during Hajj return operations.
Operational Strain for State Pilgrims’ Boards
State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards are expected to face added pressure in managing luggage logistics. More trucks, temporary staff, and time will be required to transport the increased number of bags from airports to pilgrim camps, further straining already limited budgets.
Rather than adopting a dual 23kg policy, experts argue that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) could have formed a technical committee comprising airlines, state boards, and ground handling firms such as NAHCO to assess the operational, financial, and security implications.
A more practical alternative, they suggest, would have been to increase the existing 32kg luggage limit to 40kg and the hand luggage from 8kg to 12kg. This would provide a total additional allowance of 12kg per pilgrim without doubling the number of bags or escalating logistical challenges.
Possible Increase in Missing Luggage Cases
With more luggage to manage, the risk of lost or misplaced bags may also rise, creating frustration for both administrators and pilgrims.
Experts urge Hajj policymakers to focus on reducing logistical costs in line with efforts to make the pilgrimage more affordable. Without improved coordination and planning, the 2026 Hajj return operation could face an even more prolonged and complicated logistical process.
Mohammed is the National Coordinator, IHR (08937024356).
