SRINAGAR: The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) on Monday clarified the baggage restrictions imposed on Hajj pilgrims returning to Srinagar, stating that the measures have been introduced due to ongoing runway maintenance and operational limitations at Srinagar Airport.
Due to a NOTAM issued for Srinagar Airport and ongoing runway maintenance resulting in temporary runway length restrictions, payload limitations have been imposed on aircraft operations in the interest of flight safety.
To avoid disruption to Haj flight schedules and minimize… pic.twitter.com/DyRfogXAO7
— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) June 1, 2026
In a post on X, the Ministry said a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued for Srinagar Airport, along with runway maintenance work, has resulted in temporary restrictions on runway length. This has necessitated payload limitations on aircraft operations to ensure flight safety.
To prevent disruption to flight schedules and reduce inconvenience to pilgrims, the Ministry said return Hajj flights operated by Akasa Airlines from Srinagar are being routed via Ahmedabad.
Under the revised arrangement, pilgrims are allowed to carry up to 35 kg of checked baggage up to Ahmedabad. However, on the Ahmedabad–Srinagar sector, only 5 kg of checked baggage per pilgrim is permitted onboard, while the remaining 30 kg is being transported separately by road to Srinagar. Cabin baggage allowance remains unchanged.
The Ministry said these arrangements have been made solely due to airport operational constraints and aviation safety requirements. It added that the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Haj jCommittee of India, and the Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee are working in coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the safe and smooth return of pilgrims.
The clarification comes after several Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir expressed concern over the reduced baggage allowance and the separate transportation of luggage from Ahmedabad to Srinagar.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the JK Hajj Committee, Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, had stated that the restrictions were linked to runway maintenance at Srinagar Airport and a NOTAM issued for the period from April to October.
