Flyadeal Enters Nigeria’s Airspace
UNASCO affirms sole representation of Flyadeal in West Africa
Tour operators raise questions on coverage, pricing, visas
Flyadeal promises direct flights, improved value for pilgrims
Woo Nigerian tour operators, assure of better services
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Saudi low-cost carrier, Flyadeal, in partnership with its West African representative, UNASCO Aviation Limited, held an interactive meeting with Nigerian tour operators in Abuja, pledging improved services for Hajj, Umrah, and charter operations.
The meeting, facilitated by MD/CEO KOB Travels and Tours Limited, Mallam Musodiq Oladepo, brought together airline executives, aviation stakeholders, and local operators to clarify concerns over representation, flight schedules, and the airline’s value proposition to Nigerian travellers.
Declaring the session open, UNASCO MD/COO, Engr. Nazeer Alhassan, said the forum was designed to “clear doubts and provide a missing link” between the airline and Nigerian operators.
“Some agents have been going to airlines directly, paying for full flights, and assuming representation rights. Let it be clear: UNASCO Aviation Limited is the official representative of Flyadeal in Nigeria and West Africa. We are here to bridge the gap between the airline and the operators who need a direct contact point,” he said.
The Chairman/CEO of UNASCO, Engineer Khalid Alvini, a Saudi aviation veteran, explained that Flyadeal would initially focus on international gateways in Nigeria.
“As a low-cost subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Airlines, Flyadeal is designed for efficiency. Our operations target international airports in Abuja, Kano, and Lagos. For Hajj flights, allocations will be handled by NAHCON. Other routes, such as Yola or Sokoto, will depend on Hajj Commission assignments,” he stated.
On charter services, Alhassan clarified that flights would be operated strictly on request and payment by agents.
“We cannot plan a charter until an agent makes a request and secures it with payment. Then we provide the aircraft. For now, the ball is in your court,” he noted.
Operators raised issues ranging from Flyadeal’s pricing to its perceived role in visa issuance. Responding, Alhassan dismissed claims that visas were tied to the airline.
“Airlines worldwide have nothing to do with visa issuance. It is a separate process. Nigerian operators must push collectively with authorities to improve visa allocation. UNASCO can support, but the initiative must come from the operators,” he said.
On flight reliability, Alhassan assured:
“Before Flyadeal can operate Hajj, NAHCON and other regulators will vet our documents. Once approved, you can rest assured of our standards. As for quality, you will know once you fly with us.”
President of UNASCO, Mr. Muhammad Junaid, added that the airline was positioned to solve the long-standing issues of delays and refunds.
“We are here to add value. Direct flights to Jeddah and Medina mean passengers will no longer suffer 10-hour delays or refund battles. Once you request an aircraft, it will come,” he declared.
Operators pressed for Flyadeal to open an Abuja office, publish early Hajj/Umrah fares, and provide a dedicated WhatsApp platform for engagement. One operator suggested:
“Charter is good, but what we want is a schedule. Abuja needs a standard Flyadeal office, and we need price information early enough for planning.”
Responding, Alhassan said scheduling would depend on demonstrated passenger volumes:
“If you charter 20 flights and they fill up weekly, the airline will know the market has volume and plan accordingly.”
In a brief chat with PEACE Magazine, Alhassan summarised Flyadeal’s Nigerian plan:
“Flyadeal is Saudi Arabia’s natural low-cost carrier. They are entering Nigeria to offer direct flights long missing from the market. Pricing will depend on market realities, but operators and passengers will enjoy a more efficient service.”
On UNASCO’s role, he stressed:
“We are the official representatives of Flyadeal in West Africa, linking tour operators directly to the airline.”
UNASCO President, Muhammad Junaid, told reporters that the partnership was about filling gaps in aviation services:
“Value comes from pricing, timing and customer experience. These are areas we are determined to improve.”
Facilitator of the session, Mallam Musodiq Oladepo, described the forum as “a reality that gladdens the industry.”
“Flyadeal is not new to me; I have studied its model as Saudi Airlines’ subsidiary. Their entry means Nigerian operators will get better comfort, service and support. If we unite as agreed today, local businesses will gain more from working directly with the airline,” he said.
Stakeholders agreed to form a communication platform to deepen engagement with Flyadeal. For now, Flyadeal operations will centre on charter requests, with hopes that consistent volume will lead to scheduled services.
As Alhassan put it: “It is in your hands. The more you demonstrate volume, the faster Flyadeal will schedule Nigeria.”
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