NCAA meets airlines, Hajj operators over 2026 pilgrimage

In preparation for the 2026 Hajj, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has met airlines and the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) to address operational challenges and assess the levels of preparation for the pilgrimage.

The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo, emphasized that the engagement provides a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on flight patterns, airport operations, schedules, and pilgrim numbers, reiterating the authority’s commitment to ensuring successful operations.

Najomo was represented by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards and Hajj Committee Chairman, Alhaji Ahmad Abba, at the engagement which took place at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja last week.

The Hajj Committee Chairman, in his brief, stressed the importance of early planning and stakeholder coordination for safe and efficient airlift operations.

The meeting focused on discussing challenges from previous Hajj exercises and assessing airline preparedness for 2026 operations. Key discussion items included aircraft types and deployment numbers, GACA slot allocations, and fueling and ground handling services in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, among others.

Airlines present, including Air Peace, Flynas, Max Air, and UMZA Air, outlined their operational readiness and raised specific challenges from past operations for resolution.

Also present was the Director of Air Transport Regulation, Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe, who spoke on the need to review the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia; and other Hajj Committee members of the NCAA.