NAHCON, FAAN Discuss Crucial Steps for 2024 Hajj Airlift

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to promptly implement essential facilities at the country’s Hajj departure zone for a smooth airlift operation during this year’s Hajj.

The directive was given by Malam Jalal Ahmed Arabi, the Ag. Chairman/CEO of the Commission, during a courtesy visit by members of FAAN’s Hajj Committee.

Mousa Ubandawaki, the Commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He emphasized the significance of providing navigation equipment and facilities at Hajj departure centers nationwide to ensure a seamless Hajj Airlift.

Arabi acknowledged FAAN as a crucial partner in Hajj operations and urged them to update on the state of various airports used for Hajj Airlift.

He noted the importance of timely execution, considering the established timeline by Saudi Arabia for all nations to conclude Hajj arrangements promptly.

In response, Captain Mukhtar Yusuf Muye, the leader of the FAAN delegation and Director of Airport Operations, assured that preparations for the 2024 Hajj had commenced two months ago to ensure a trouble-free operation across the 16 departure airports in the country.

While expressing commitment to a diligent discharge of duties, Capt. Muye urged NAHCON to encourage Tour Operators to comply with arrangements for airlifting pilgrims through international terminals rather than the Hajj Terminal.

This shift, he argued, would prevent the loss of valuable revenue needed for infrastructural facilities at the airports, reinforcing FAAN’s commitment to facilitating a hitch-free airlift during the 2024 Hajj Operation.