2023 Hajj: Pilgrims Transportation launches in May as NAHCON Screen Airlines

One of the five pillars of Islam central to Muslim belief, Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime if they are able; it is the most spiritual event that a Muslim experiences, observing rituals in the most sacred places in the Islamic world. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia. It takes place during the same time each year, in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) will start screening airlines that would fly Nigerian pilgrims to the Holy Land later in May as we race toward the 2023 Hajj.

Information & Publications Assistant Director Mousa Ubandawaki said that , “The 36-Member Committee, which is headed by the Alh. Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa, the Commissioner in charge of Operations, was inaugurated by the Chairman/ CEO, Alh. Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the Hajj House, Abuja.

“He admonished them to be diligent, fair and transparent in the discharge of their assignment, so that pilgrims can be able to achieve Hajj Mabrur.”

For the airlift and air freight of pilgrims’ luggage for the 2023 Hajj, ten airlines and three cargo operators submitted applications.

The Committee’s mandate is as follows:

I. Screen the prospective Carriers that applied for License for the airlift of pilgrims and those of excess luggage in respect of the 2023 Hajj.

II. Determine the suitability and capability of the applicant in in line with the extant Nigerian Civil Aviation regulations and ICAO standards.

III. Allocate passengers to the Carriers based on their assessed capabilities in line with paragraph II above.

IV. Establish criteria, score or grade for suitability and for the recommendation of an applicant.

V. Recommend appropriate pilgrim airfare and excess luggage rate for the specified departure zones.

VI. Make any other recommendation, necessary for the efficient conduct of 2023 Hajj airlift.

VII. Submit a comprehensive report at the completion of the exercise for consideration of the Exco of the Commission.

The Committee has a one-week period to submit its reports and recommendation, according to NAHCON.

“The Airlines that applied includes: Aero Contractors, Air peace, Arik Air L.t.d, Azman Air Services, Flynas (a Saudi designated carrier), K-impex Airline L.t.d, Max Air L.t.d, Skypower Express Airways, Value Jet, United Nigeria Airline Company Limited.”
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