Airlines, NAHCON agree on $250 Hajj fare increase

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission, Zikrullah Hassan, has announced that the four Nigerian airlines responsible for transporting pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj exercise have requested a fare increase of $250.

The airlines in question are Air Peace, Azman, Max Air and Aero Contractors.

The reason cited for the increased fare is the current crisis in Sudan, which has extended the travel time required to reach the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in Abuja during a training exercise organised for staff of NAHCON, state pilgrim boards and private tour operators on Saturday, Hassan said, “Our local airlines after several negotiations accepted the sum of $250 to the increase in the cost of air ticket for this year’s operation.

“We are still looking for all avenues to resolve the attendant consequence of this money. 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 decided 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.

“We have mapped out a 25 days strategic airlift operation plan that will commence on the 25th of May 2023. However, we are ready and decided to move our advance team, comprising medical and hajj officials to move to Saudi Arabia on 21st of May. We pray that the 2023 hajj will witness great improvement”

The request for an increased fare has caused concern among Nigerian pilgrims, who are already grappling with the financial burden of making the holy pilgrimage.