Umrah: Max Air Confirms Aircraft Fault as Pilgrims Allege Neglect
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Max Air has confirmed a technical fault involving one of its aircraft, following complaints by Nigerian pilgrims who alleged neglect and prolonged delays at a Saudi airport during their return journey from Umrah.
In a statement issued by the airline’s management, Max Air disclosed that one of its aircraft had been declared Aircraft on Ground (AOG) due to a technical issue, resulting in disruptions to its Umrah flight operations.
The airline stated that the aircraft was grounded for safety checks and corrective actions, emphasizing that passenger safety remains its top priority.
The development comes amid growing concerns raised by affected pilgrims, who, in a video obtained by Hajj Gazette, claimed they were left unattended after arriving at the airport for their scheduled departure to Nigeria.
The passengers alleged a lack of coordination and communication from airline officials, with some stating they had waited for hours without clear updates.
The pilgrims further claimed that some Umrah passengers who were scheduled to depart a day earlier had yet to arrive in Nigeria, suggesting possible wider disruptions in the airline’s return flight schedule.
While confirming the operational setback, Max Air advised affected passengers in Jeddah to visit its office located in the Musharrafah District, near the Nigerian Consulate, for rebooking and assistance.
The airline also apologized for the inconvenience caused and appealed for patience and understanding.
Earlier efforts by Hajj Gazette to reach Max Air for comment were unsuccessful, as the airline’s known phone lines were switched off at the time. The latest statement marks its first official acknowledgment of the disruption.
As of press time, there has been no response from relevant aviation or pilgrimage authorities regarding the situation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the coordination and management of pilgrimage return operations, particularly during peak travel periods, with stakeholders expected to demand greater transparency and improved passenger handling going forward.
