Peeking into the Distribution Process of Hajj Luggage from Jeddah Airport to Pilgrims' Hands

JEDDAH, KOMPAS.com - Hundreds of pilgrims’ suitcases are neatly lined up in rows at King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The suitcases are wrapped in matching coloured cloth emblazoned with “Hajj 2026” and featuring the Red and White flag. “We are preparing to distribute these suitcases from the airport to the pilgrims at their hotels in the Mecca area,” said Airport Daker Luggage Officer of the Indonesian Hajj Management Body in Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Riza Fahlevi, at King Abdulaziz Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday (13/5/2026). The management of Hajj pilgrims’ suitcases is indeed different from the handling of suitcases on ordinary trips. Pilgrims only receive their suitcases once they are at the hotel. Riza explained a number of procedures that must be carried out to ensure the pilgrims’ suitcases are received in good condition. He stated that the pilgrims’ suitcases only exit the airport arrival zone after all pilgrims have left first. The Hajj officer team handling baggage is also on standby to receive the pilgrims’ belongings. “After the suitcases and some pilgrims’ equipment come out, we must ensure whether there are any (suitcases) still held inside,” said Riza. The baggage team then matches the number of suitcases with the flight manifest. They also check if any pilgrims’ suitcases are damaged. This data is recorded and reported periodically. The baggage team is also responsible for ensuring that pilgrims’ suitcases are handled properly during the counting, transfer, and distribution processes.