NAHCON Approves Five Airlines for 2027 Hajj Airlift
Air Peace, Flynas, Max Air, Saudi Air and UMZA Aviation Services cleared for next year’s pilgrimage, subject to regulatory and operational requirements
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved five airlines to participate in the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj.
The commission announced the approval in a circular issued in Abuja on Thursday, saying the selected carriers were cleared after a screening and evaluation process conducted by its Aviation Screening Committee.
The approved airlines are Air Peace Limited, Flynas, Max Air Limited, Saudi Air and UMZA Aviation Services Limited.
NAHCON said the selection was based on the carriers’ compliance with safety, operational capacity and financial requirements for the pilgrimage airlift.
The approval, however, remains subject to the execution of airlift agreements with NAHCON and fulfilment of requirements set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The commission said passenger allocations and airlift schedules would be determined in consultation with the respective State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, agencies and commissions, as well as the approved operators.
It also reminded the airlines that their operations would be subject to Hajj 2027 regulations, including the requirement for pilgrims’ tickets to be linked to their Nusuk-Masar data.
The carriers are also expected to comply with prescribed safety standards and baggage requirements, including a single 32kg bag and one 8kg hand luggage for each pilgrim, as stipulated by the relevant authorities.
NAHCON called on State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and other stakeholders to cooperate with the approved carriers to ensure a safe, seamless and comfortable airlift operation for Nigerian pilgrims.
The early announcement places the five carriers at the centre of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 Hajj airlift, with further operational arrangements expected to follow as the commission and state pilgrimage authorities work out passenger allocations and flight schedules.
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