Finally, NAHCON, Local Airlines Sign Agreements for 2023 Hajj

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON and the four Nigerian Airlines approved for the airlift of pilgrims to the 2023 Hajj have finally reached an agreement, ending their previous disagreement.

The parties signed the 2023 Hajj Airlift Agreement at the Boardroom of the Hajj House, an event attended by the Chief Executives of the four organisations.

During the signing ceremony, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, commended the airlines for their patriotism and sacrifices, considering the challenge posed by the Sudan crisis.

He urged them not to burden the pilgrims with additional costs or changes, but to act with a sense of conscience and patriotism.

The Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, acknowledged the plight of pilgrims who had already paid their Hajj fare before the crises broke out, but emphasised that the airlines were constrained to make the decision due to logistical and operational needs.

He assured the pilgrims that the airlines would not do anything to disrupt the operation halfway.

Similarly, the Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyeama, said that the call for the review of the Airlift Agreement with NAHCON was not to exploit the Sudan crises for business gains or opportunities.

He reiterated the airlines’ concern for the Nigerian pilgrims and their desire not to deprive them of the opportunity to make the journey to the Holy land.

He emphasised that they were doing it for national pride.

The formal signing of the agreement with the four local airlines- Air Peace, Azman Air Services, Aero Contractor and Max Airline, has put to rest the disagreement between the Commission and the approved 2023 Hajj Carriers.

It represents a significant progress towards the commencement of the airlift to Hajj 2023, which will officially kick off on May 21st with the airlift of the Advance Team from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.