By Lubabatu I. Garba
The Nigerian Presidency has given its approval for four airlines to transport Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
Among the selected airlines three were indiginious; Air Peace Limited, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Limited while the other one is Saudi airline; Flynass Airline.
These airlines were chosen from a pool of 11 companies that submitted applications for the airlift.
A 32-member team, set up by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), screened and shortlisted the airlines.
The team, which was inaugurated by NAHCON Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on November 26, 2024, comprised representatives from various state and federal agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
In addition to the four approved airlines, three excess cargo carriers – Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited, Cargozeal Technology Limited, and Qualla Investment Limited – were also selected for the 2025 Hajj operations.
Prof Usman congratulated the successful airlines and cargo carriers, urging them to fulfill their responsibilities as promised during the screening process.
In a related development, Prof Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on behalf of Nigeria.
The signing ceremony took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 12, 2025