FG Approves Four Airlines for 2025 Hajj Operations – NAHCON Chair
The Federal Government has officially approved four airlines to transport Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
In a statement issued by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Mrs. Fatima Usara, the commission’s Executive Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, announced that the selected airlines are Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas (a Saudi Arabian carrier), Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd.
The airlines were chosen following a rigorous screening process involving 11 applicants. A 32-member Aviation Screening Committee, inaugurated on Nov. 26, 2024, conducted the evaluations.
The committee included representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). Additional members were drawn from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and NAHCON Board representatives from each geopolitical zone.
Prof. Usman also announced the selection of three excess cargo carriers for the hajj operations: Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd., Cargozeal Technology Ltd., and Qualla Investment Ltd.
He urged the successful companies to honor their commitments made during the screening process.
Meanwhile, Prof. Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of Nigeria with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The ceremony, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, formalized the arrangements for this year’s Hajj. The Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfatah Masahat, represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the event.
The approval of these airlines marks a significant step in ensuring seamless transportation for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
