Strict security inspections at Najaf International Airport caused hundreds of Bahrainis to be stuck in long queues for several hours early this morning.
The Bahrainis were returning from a pilgrimage in Iraq to commemorate Ashoora, which marks the death of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed.
“The airport is small and with large numbers all wanting to be back home by tonight it is difficult to carry out proper security checks that take long hours,” said Zakariya Al Kadhem who runs Bahrain’s biggest religious tour operator, Al Kadhem, with his family.
“The problem is not related to airlines or them not matching scheduled time, it is related to huge pressure on the airport’s management.
“My wife was in the queue, out in the sun, since sunrise for one of two flights expected in the afternoon.
“On any given day it would not have been an issue, but the fact that it is Ashoora made the situation worse.”
Bahrain’s Embassy in Iraq said the delays at the airport were expected due to the crowded season.
“The circumstances related to procedures at the airport and queuing are known to tour operators and have been well informed by airlines in advance,” it said on its Twitter account.
“Bahrainis have to be present prior to flights by at least five hours with heavy security procedures being taken.
“The airport has 45 scheduled flights today and patience is appreciated taking into account the airport’s small size and over capacity.”
Two million people from across the world converged to Imam Hussain’s Shrine in Karbala last week to mark the occasion.
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