The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has selected five airlines to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2027 Hajj, subject to further regulatory clearance and the execution of formal airlift agreements.
The approved carriers are Air Peace Limited, Max Air Limited, Umza Aviation Services Limited, Flynas and Saudi Air, the commission announced in a release on Thursday.
NAHCON said the airlines emerged from a screening process conducted by its Aviation Screening Committee. The assessment considered safety standards, operational capacity and financial requirements set for the pilgrimage airlift.
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The commission said the approval does not by itself constitute final authorisation for the airlines to commence operations. Their engagement is subject to the signing of airlift agreements with NAHCON and compliance with requirements set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The arrangement is intended to provide the framework for moving Nigerian pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia during the 2027 pilgrimage.
NAHCON said passenger allocations and flight schedules would be determined in consultation with the respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and the selected operators.
The commission also directed the designated carriers to conduct their operations in accordance with the regulations governing the 2027 Hajj airlift.
Among the requirements is the use of pilgrim information contained in the Nusuk-Masar system for ticket issuance. This is intended to link each passenger’s travel documentation with the relevant pilgrimage data.
The airlines must also comply with applicable aviation safety requirements and the baggage conditions prescribed for the operation.
Under the stipulated allowance, each pilgrim will be entitled to one checked bag weighing up to 32kg and one hand luggage item weighing up to 8kg.
NAHCON said adherence to the conditions would be essential to the smooth handling of passengers and their luggage throughout the airlift operation.
The commission called on stakeholders involved in the pilgrimage process to cooperate with the five approved airlines as preparations advance.
It said such coordination would help deliver a safe and comfortable transportation arrangement for Nigerian pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
The 2027 Hajj airlift will involve coordination among NAHCON, the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the designated airlines, Nigerian aviation authorities, and their Saudi counterparts. Each operator will be expected to satisfy the relevant regulatory conditions before undertaking its assigned passenger movements.
The commission’s screening of the carriers therefore establishes the initial airline framework for the pilgrimage, while the final allocation of passengers and flight schedules will be worked out with the participating state authorities and operators.
