BY Bunmi Aduloju
Zikrullah Hassan, chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), says the airlines approved for the airlifting of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia have accepted that the hajj fare be increased by $250.
The chairman spoke in Abuja on Saturday during a training exercise organised for NAHCON officials, state pilgrim boards and private tour operators.
Hassan, however, assured that the pilgrims would not bear the additional cost.
He said the airlines – Air Peace, Azman Air, Max Air and Aero Contractors – made the request due to the crisis in Sudan, which would require a longer flight time to Saudi Arabia.
“Our local airlines, after several negotiations, accepted the sum of $250 as an increase in the cost of air tickets for this year’s operation. We are still looking for all avenues to resolve the attendant consequences of this money,” he said.
“We are still paying earnestly for a quick and peace resolution to the conflict in Sudan so that the airspace could be open and there will be a stop to the mindless killing of the people of Sudan.
“At NAHCON, we are looking for all ways to ensure that we resolve the issue of this additional cost. We have decoded that whatever decision we will take, it will not require the pilgrims to pay additional fund into the hands of the respective pilgrim boards in their state. They will not need to pay more money.”
He added that the commission has scheduled May 25 for the first airlift of pilgrims out of the country.
“We have mapped out a 25 days strategic airlift operation plan that will commence on the 25th of May 2023,” he said.
“However, we are ready and decided to move our advance team, comprising medical and hajj officials , to Saudi Arabia on 21st of May. We pray that the 2023 hajj will witness great improvement.”
The four airlines had earlier declined to sign the agreement to transport prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, due to the closure of the Sudan airspace — a route for the airlines — over the ongoing crisis.
However, on Wednesday, NAHCON said the airlines had agreed to sign the agreement.
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