The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria announced on Saturday that the pilgrim airlift to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will begin on May 25, 2023.
The commission also noted that the four local airlines that will transport Nigerian pilgrims to the Hajj in 2023 had proposed a $250 increase in the Hajj ticket.
Hassan Zikrullah, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, stated this in Abuja during a one-day workshop for Hajj authorities organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
NAHCON hosted the event, with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah serving as resource people.
According to Zikrullah, the airlines – Air Peace, Azman, Max Air, and Aero Contractors – based the request on the Sudan issue, which they claimed would necessitate a longer journey time to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Due to the higher financial burden of choosing another route, the airlines refused to sign the airlift deal with NAHCON.
The NAHCON CEO, on the other hand, assured pilgrims that they would not be charged an additional fee.
While the advanced team of authorities will depart on May 21, pilgrims will begin their journey on May 25.
According to Zikrullah, the evacuation of all Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will be completed within 25 days if the timetables and plans are followed.
