NAHCON Signs 2026 Hajj Airlift Pact, Warns Airlines Against Delays
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NAHCON Signs 2026 Hajj Airlift Pact, Warns Airlines Against Delays
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has signed the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement with designated carriers, charging the participating airlines to strictly adhere to operational standards and timelines for the forthcoming pilgrimage.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, described the event as a defining milestone in the Commission’s preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He said the airlift component remains one of the most critical aspects of Hajj operations, stressing that it must be handled with utmost professionalism, precision and commitment to avoid disruptions.
According to him, Hajj operations are time-bound and demand seamless coordination to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims are transported to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the stipulated schedule.
READ ALSO: No Extra Hajj Slots for Nigeria, NAHCON Tells Tour Operators
Abba commended the airlines for their past performances but made it clear that compliance with the terms of the newly signed agreement was non-negotiable.
He disclosed that the agreement contains specific compliance measures, including recovery timelines for any airline that falls behind schedule, as well as provisions for alternative arrangements where necessary to safeguard the exercise from operational setbacks.
The NAHCON boss assured stakeholders that the Commission would exercise strict oversight to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
“Any airline that performs excellently will continue to enjoy our confidence and partnership, but any airline that underperforms or fails to meet agreed timelines will be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the agreement. The interest of Nigerian pilgrims remains our top priority,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner, Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, described the agreement as a reflection of strengthened collaboration between the Commission and the carriers.
He noted that lessons learnt from the 2025 Hajj airlift exercise would guide improvements in the 2026 operations, adding that the new agreement represents a binding commitment to safety, transparency and efficient service delivery.
Elegushi emphasised that punctuality, operational efficiency, deployment of adequate aircraft and proactive management of operational challenges would be critical to the success of the 2026 airlift.
On behalf of the participating airlines, Barrister Shehu Wada (SAN), Executive Director and representative of Max Air, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for the confidence reposed in the carriers.
He described the Hajj airlift as a national assignment and assured the Commission of the airlines’ commitment to safety, punctuality and strict adherence to agreed schedules.
