By Abdulbasit Abba and Yusuf Kulloma
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the screening exercise for airlines and cargo companies that will handle the Airlift of Nigerian pilgrims and their luggage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj. The rigorous week long screening, which commenced on November 27 and concluded on December 5th, 2024, was conducted at NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.
The screening exercise was conducted by 32 member Committee that was inaugurated on the 26th November 2024 by the Chairman/CEO of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman. The committee, chaired by Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner Operations, Inspectorate & Licensing, comprised some NAHCON Board Members, members from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), FAAN, some staff of the Commission, and representative of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
The screening exercise was aimed at selecting reliable and efficient airlines and cargo companies that meet international safety, regulatory, and operational standards. The process is critical in ensuring a seamless and secure Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
The exercise involved a comprehensive evaluation of prospective air travel service providers to ensure they meet the Commission’s stringent requirements. The key areas of assessment included:
Verification of licenses, operational permits, and certifications from the Nigerian NCAA, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
2. Evaluation of the safety records of airlines and cargo companies, as well as their adherence to international aviation safety standards.
3. Assessment of the adequacy, reliability, and capacity of aircraft and cargo logistics to handle the high volume of pilgrims and their luggage.
4. Review of onboard services for pilgrims, including seating arrangements, meal options, and medical assistance.
5. Analysis of fare structures and cargo charges to ensure competitive and transparent pricing.
6. Examination of past performance in Hajj operations, focusing on punctuality, customer service, and compliance with guidelines.
The Committee took all the necessary majors in reviewing and evaluating all the necessary documents required and submitted by the Airlines and Cargo Companies that are to be qualified to participate in airlifting the Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the upcoming 2025 Hajj, in other to have a safe and smooth Airlift operation.
The applicants that were screened include:
1. Max Air Limited
3. Flynas (Saudi Designated),
4. Air Peace Limited,
5. Flyadeal (Saudi Designated),
6. Gyro Air Limited,
7. Trebet Aviation,
8. Umrah Air Limited (Ethiopian Airline),
9. Value Jet,
10.Umza Aviation Services Limited,
11.Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited,
12.Kiswah Logistics Services Limited,
13.Sokodeke,
14.CargoZeal Technologies.
After screening, NAHCON is expected to forward to the Presidency recommendations of technical partners based on outcome of the screening. The final selection of approved airlines and cargo companies would then be communicated to the Commission by Nigeria’s highest ruling body. The official list of successful air carriers will be announced, after which contracts will be signed to facilitate timely preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations. NAHCON remains committed to delivering excellence and ensuring comfort of all Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj.
Abdulbasit Abba and Yusuf Kulloma write from Information and Publications Division.