The first batch of Gambia Pilgrims who should join the rest of the Muslim world to perform the Hajj in the Holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islamic has suffered delay.
According to information gathered by Foroyaa, the first flight should have kicked off from the Banjul International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday at (3.00am) for the the 2009 Hajj. However those who were to fly by the first flight do assembled at the Airport at that late night but were later informed to go back home and they will be informed of any development on the flight schedule. However according to them it was later communicated to them that they should again report to the airport for checking at 14.00hrs. The intending pilgrims did not waste time but quickly left for the airport and joined by family members and well-wishers to the airport. Those who spoke to this reporter expressed concern when they were again asked to go back to their homes a second time and wait for another announcement. This said they were asked to tune into GRTS for further information as to when the first flight is to kick off.

Those who spoke to this reporter explained concern of what would have been the reason of delay as they told this reporter they are not informed of any reason behind the delay by the Hajj Authorities. Some informed this reporter that they come far away from the rural areas and their delay could cost them extra expenditure. This reporter visited the Gambia International Airlines head office to get information from them of what could have been the reason of delay. However he was informed by the security at the gate that he can’t speak to the director as they said he was very busy. Readers would recall that Gambian pilgrims in 2008 had experienced serious delays in both departure to and arrival from Saudi Arabia after completing their mission in the performance of their Hajj.