Zikrullah Hassan, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), disclosed that the four local airlines scheduled to transport Nigerian pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj had proposed a $250 increase in the Hajj fare. The airlines involved in this proposal – Air Peace, Azman, Max Air, and Aero Contractors – justify this based on the ongoing crisis in Sudan, necessitating a lengthier travel time to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Previously, these airlines had declined to sign the airlift agreement with NAHCON due to the financial implications of using an alternate route.
Hassan announced this during a training event for NAHCON staff, state pilgrim boards, and private tour operators held in Abuja on Saturday. He assured that the additional cost would not be imposed on the pilgrims.
He stated, “Our local airlines, after several negotiations, accepted the sum of $250 as an increase in the cost of air tickets for this year’s operation. We are still exploring all avenues to manage the consequences of this additional cost. We earnestly hope for a quick and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan so that the airspace could be reopened and the needless killing of Sudanese people would cease.”
He further emphasized, “At NAHCON, we are seeking ways to resolve the issue of this additional cost. We have decided that whatever resolution we arrive at will not necessitate the pilgrims to pay additional funds to their respective state pilgrim boards. Therefore, they will not need to pay more money.”
The chairman announced that the first airlift of pilgrims out of the country is scheduled for May 25. He mentioned, “We have outlined a 25-day strategic airlift operation plan to begin on May 25, 2023. We are prepared to send our advance team, consisting of medical and Hajj officials, to Saudi Arabia on May 21. We pray for a significant improvement in the 2023 Hajj.”
