By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

As part of preparations for the 2023 Hajj, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) met with stakeholders in the Aviation Industry as well as air carriers on Thursday, May 4, 2023 in Abuja.

A statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Asst Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON, said the meeting preparatory to hajj airlift signing agreement with selected carriers, NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, disclosed steps already taken by the Commission to curtail drawbacks in the airlift once it commences.

“The NAHCON Chairman confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari has graciously agreed to a 65% waiver on aviation charges to the air carriers,” the statement revealed.

It said that he also noted that to ensure ceaseless supply of Jet A fuel for the purpose of the airlift, NAHCON has made arrangements with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to that end.

The carriers were advised to meet NNPC for briefing and perfection of the arrangement.

According to the Chairman, the Commission has also been in consultation with aviation experts for professional advice and the Commission will remain in consonance with the industry’s advice in the interest and safety of Nigerian pilgrims.

The Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, who was present at the meeting stated that his organisation has inspected all designated Hajj airlift airports for security and functional facilities.

He called on the selected carriers to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of engagement that they would sign.

The carriers were also advised to meet up with the requirements that would be spelt out in the agreements as NCAA was ready to sanction non-compliance.

He lamented the issue of delay and cancellation of airlift as experienced last year, describing it as having replica effect on the whole operation and even affecting Saudi Arabian operations too.

Over this perpetual bottleneck, NCAA was earlier invited by General Authority on Civil Aviation (GACA) to measure the level of effect it has on Madina and Jeddah airports’ hajj operations. Hence, NCAA has laid down stringent measures to avoid cancellations and flight delays this year.

Capt Nuhu as well as other speakers at the meeting expressed concern over closure of the Sudanese airspace due to the war in the country. It was revealed that pilgrims might have to travel for seven and half hours per trip due to the possible change of route.

Meanwhile, four out of the five carriers selected for the Hajj operations requested additional time before signing the agreement. FlyNas, the Saudi-based airline, had however signed and indicated its readiness to start the 2023 Hajj airlift.

2023 Hajj advance team comprising selected NAHCON staff and few medical personnel are expected to depart the country by May 21, 2023.

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