Nigerias Hajj Airlift Expands with Four Airlines
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced plans to transport more than 71,000 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj using four appointed airlines. The four carriers—Nigeria’s Air Peace, Max Air (Nigeria), UmzaXpress, and Saudi budget carrier flynas—will begin operations on May 5, marking a significant effort to facilitate the annual pilgrimage. According to NAHCON’s social media announcement, the distribution of pilgrims among the carriers is set at 23,343 for Max Air, 22,893 for flynas, 15,893 for UmzaXpress, and 9,145 for Air Peace.
This development follows the official signing of the 2025 Hajj airlift charter contract between NAHCON and flynas on March 11. Flynas, already one of Saudi Arabia’s official service providers for the Hajj pilgrimage, has now cemented its role in the operation, ensuring that a substantial number of Nigerian pilgrims will have access to affordable and reliable flights to Saudi Arabia. The inclusion of both local and international airlines reflects NAHCON’s strategy to optimize capacity and reduce the travel burden for pilgrims.
While the announcement brings positive news for many prospective pilgrims, the airlines themselves have experienced a mix of challenges and triumphs in recent months. For instance, Max Air had to suspend its domestic operations for three months at the end of January to accommodate a safety audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Despite this temporary suspension, Max Air has continued its international services without interruption, a move that underlines the airline’s commitment to maintaining essential routes for long-haul travel, especially during peak pilgrimage periods.
In a separate yet related development, Turkish ACMI/charter specialist Air Anka has been busy airlifting Christian pilgrims from Lagos and Abuja to Amman Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan since December 22, 2024. Operated with an A330-200 configured with the registration TC-NYB and built at Izmir Adnan Menderes, these charters are organized by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission. This initiative, confirmed by ADS-B data and ch-aviation research, highlights the dynamic nature of religious travel in the region and the diversity of charter services available to Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON’s decision to utilize four different carriers for the Hajj airlift is a strategic move designed to maximize efficiency, reduce operational costs, and provide flexible options for pilgrims. By spreading the load among multiple airlines, the commission aims to ensure that any potential delays or issues with one carrier do not adversely affect the entire operation. The allocation of the highest numbers to Max Air and flynas demonstrates confidence in these carriers’ operational capabilities and their ability to manage high passenger volumes over long-haul routes.
This multi-airline approach is expected to boost competition within the market and create opportunities for improved service delivery. With the increasing number of Nigerian pilgrims undertaking the journey each year, enhancing the overall travel experience has become a priority. NAHCON’s recent announcement not only reassures pilgrims of reliable service but also underscores the commission’s dedication to streamlining the airlift process and fostering partnerships that support the logistical demands of one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
As the Hajj season approaches, the collaboration among these four airlines is set to play a pivotal role in easing the travel process, ensuring that thousands of Nigerian pilgrims can reach Saudi Arabia safely and comfortably.
Related News: https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com