The Nigerian federal government has authorized four airlines to serve as official carriers for Nigerian pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
This announcement was made on Sunday by Abdullahi Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Usman explained that the selected airlines were chosen from 11 companies that applied for the role.
The approved airlines include Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas (a Saudi Arabia-designated carrier), Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd.
According to Usman, the selection process was conducted by a 32-member Aviation Screening Committee, which NAHCON inaugurated on November 26, 2024.
The committee comprised representatives from various agencies, including State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
In addition to the passenger carriers, three excess cargo operators were also approved for the Hajj operations, Usman added.
The selection aims to ensure efficient and secure transportation for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj.
