2023 HAJJ : AIRLINES, NAHCON TO INCREASE HAJJ FARE. BY GOLD AZOKHOME.

Authorities of the National Hajj Commission has disclosed that four local airlines to airlift Nigerian pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj exercise has requested that the Hajj fare be increased to the tune of 250 United State dollars. Chairman of the Commission, Zikrullah Hassan has disclosed.

According to him the airlines are;  Air Peace, Azman air,  Max Air and Aero Contractors. This according to him was based on the crisis in Sudan, which would require a longer travel time to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He recalled that the airlines had refused to sign the airlift agreement with NAHCON due to the additional financial cost using another route.

Speaking in Abuja during a training exercise organised for staff of NAHCON, state pilgrim boards and private tour operators on Saturday, Hassan assured that the pilgrims would not experience any form of hardship.

“Our local airlines after several negotiations accepted the sum of $250 to the increase in the cost of air ticket for this year’s operation. We are still looking for all avenues to resolve the attendant consequence of this money. We are still praying earnestly for a quick and peace resolution to the conflict in Sudan so that the airspace could be open and there will be a stop to the mindless killing of the people of Sudan.”

“At NAHCON, we are looking for all ways to ensure that we resolve the issue of this additional cost. We have decided that whatever decision we will take, it will not require the pilgrims to pay additional fund into the hands of the respective pilgrim boards in their state. They will not need to pay more money.”

He added that the commission has slated May 25 for the first airlift of pilgrims out of the country.


“We have mapped out a 25 days strategic airlift operation plan that will commence on the 25th of May 2023. However, we are ready and decided to move our advance team, comprising medical and hajj officials to move to Saudi Arabia on 21st of May. We pray that the 2023 hajj will witness great improvement."
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