NAHCON Approves Five Air Carriers for 2027 Hajj Operations
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved five air carriers to participate in the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj, subject to the execution of airlift agreements and fulfilment of regulatory requirements.
The approved carriers are Air Peace Limited, Flynas, Max Air Limited, Saudi Air and UMZA Aviation Services Limited.
NAHCON, in a public notice issued on Thursday, said the selection followed a rigorous screening and evaluation exercise conducted by its Aviation Screening Committee.
The commission said the assessment was based on regulatory safety standards, operational capacity and financial requirements for the 2027 Hajj operation.
It, however, stressed that the approval remains subject to the signing of formal airlift agreements with NAHCON and compliance with requirements set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
According to the commission, passenger allocations and flight schedules will be developed in collaboration with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions and the approved air carriers.
NAHCON Approves Five Air Carriers for 2027 Hajj Operations
NAHCON also directed the operators to comply strictly with Hajj 2027 regulations, including linking issued tickets to pilgrims’ data captured on the Nusuk-Masar platform.
The carriers are also required to observe all applicable aviation safety standards and comply with the approved baggage allowance of one 32-kilogramme checked bag and one 8-kilogramme hand luggage.
The commission urged all stakeholders, particularly State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and intending pilgrims, to cooperate with the approved carriers to facilitate a seamless, safe and comfortable airlift operation.
The approval marks a major step in Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 Hajj, as arrangements for pilgrim registration, data processing, logistics and airlift continue ahead of the pilgrimage.
