NAHCON Approves Five Airlines For 2027 Hajj Airlift

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has approved five airlines to airlift Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

The approved carriers are Air Peace Limited, Flynas, Max Air Limited, Saudi Air and UMZA Aviation Services Limited, according to the commission’s statement reported by Daily Trust and Premium Times.

NAHCON said the selection followed screening by its Aviation Screening Committee, which assessed regulatory safety, operational capacity and financial requirements.

The commission said the engagement of the airlines is still subject to airlift agreements with NAHCON and the fulfilment of requirements set by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.

Daily Trust reported that the approval means two Saudi carriers have been listed for Nigerian pilgrims, with Flynas previously the only Saudi airline contracted for the route. The report linked the decision to the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, which provides for a 50-50 passenger split between Saudi-based and Nigerian carriers.

NAHCON said passenger allocations and flight schedules will be worked out with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and the relevant airlines. It also urged stakeholders to cooperate with the designated carriers to support a safe airlift operation.

Sources: Daily Trust, Premium Times