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Hajj 2023: Sudan Crisis Stalls Airlift Agreement Between NAHCON, Local Airlines

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Hajj 2023: Sudan Crisis Stalls Airlift Agreement Between NAHCON, Local Airlines

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The crisis in Sudan has caused delays in the signing of agreements between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and selected Nigerian airlines for the airlift of Nigerian intending pilgrims to Hajj 2023 in Saudi Arabia.

Recall, NAHCON had announced the approval of Saudi-based Flynas and other Nigerian airlines including Max Air, Air Peace, Azman Air, Aero Contractors, Arik Air, and Value Jet to fly Nigerian pilgrims.

While Flynas signed the agreement, the representatives of other Nigerian airlines declined, citing difficulties caused by the conflict in Sudan, which would require longer flight paths to get to Saudi Arabia.

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Magaji Hardawa, the commissioner in charge of operations at NAHCON, stated that the airlines are business entities and need to be profitable.

He explained that they are reluctant to sign the agreements not because they are greedy, but because they want to consult further.

The airlines have agreed to return Tuesday next week for the signing of the agreement.

NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan, on his part, stated that the representatives of the selected Nigerian airlines have agreed that their Chief Executive Officers will now be responsible for the agreement with the commission.

While Flynas agreed to sign because of an existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and their diplomatic status, the NAHCON boss made it clear that the commission has no intention of reviewing the Hajj fare upwards.

He reassured intending pilgrims that the commission would find a better solution that would not require them to pay more.

 

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