The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced that airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia will begin on May 6, 2024.
Speaking on Monday during the signing of airlift agreements with four designated airlines—FlyNas, Air Peace, Max Air, and Umza Air Limited—at the Hajj House in Abuja, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi, revealed that Saudi Arabia will open its airspace for arriving pilgrims on April 29.
“According to information from the Saudi authority, we are looking forward to April 29 as the day Saudi will open their airspace for Hajj,” he stated.
“But as far as Nigeria is concerned, we are still looking at May 6 to be our inaugural flight, in shaa Allah, in order for us to meet up with the normal time frame for the Hajj.”
Elegushi noted that NAHCON is collaborating with the selected airlines to ensure the smooth airlifting of 75,000 Nigerian pilgrims from various states across the country.
To ease financial transactions, he also disclosed that the commission is working towards eliminating the dollar component in airline payments.
Instead, airlines will be paid in local currency at commensurate exchange rates.
“The era of waiting endlessly for payment is over,” he assured.
“The percentage of payment that will be made will be enough for them to finish the operation, and after a little reconciliation, the balance will be paid immediately.”
Also speaking at the event, NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
“The airlift of pilgrims is one of the most significant aspects of the Hajj operation,” he stated.
“It requires absolute professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. This process is not just about transportation; it is about fulfilling a spiritual obligation with dignity, safety, and comfort.”
He added that the four airlines were selected based on merit, reliability, and proven operational capacity.
“Our pilgrims’ comfort, safety, and convenience remain paramount,”Usman added.
“From pre-boarding services to in-flight experience and post-arrival logistics, we expect nothing short of excellence.”
