NAHCON Boss Explains Why Air Peace and Other Three Airlines Were Selected for the 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) stated that they selected Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd. as the official airlines for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage because of their success in the screening exercise conducted by the Commission. These airlines demonstrated capacity to meet the stringent safety, reliability, and service delivery standards required for transporting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. According to NAHCON’s Executive Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, this decision was made to ensure a smooth, secure, and efficient experience for Nigerian pilgrims. The selection process was necessary to mitigate the logistical and operational challenges associated with the annual pilgrimage and to uphold Nigeria’s reputation for well-organized Hajj operations.

Out of 11 airlines that submitted applications, these four carriers were chosen following a rigorous screening conducted by a 32-member Aviation Screening Committee inaugurated on November 26, 2024. The composition of the committee reflected a diverse and expert-driven approach, including representatives from various regulatory and oversight bodies within the aviation sector. Specifically, the team featured members from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Additional expertise was provided by officials from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). This broad-based committee structure was designed to ensure transparency, technical competence, and impartiality in evaluating the capabilities of the applicant airlines.

Prof. Usman emphasized that the airlines were selected based on critical factors, including compliance with international aviation safety standards, proven track records in passenger handling, and the ability to manage the logistical complexities of large-scale pilgrim transport. He also highlighted the importance of reliability and timely service, given the fixed schedules and procedural requirements set by the Saudi Arabian authorities for Hajj operations. Fly-Nas, as a Saudi-based airline, brings direct operational access to the Kingdom, while Nigerian airlines like Air Peace and Max Air offer extensive domestic experience and capacity.

In addition to passenger transport, NAHCON approved three companies for excess cargo handling during the pilgrimage. The selected cargo operators are Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd., Cargozeal Technology Ltd., and Qualla Investment Ltd. Their inclusion reflects the comprehensive planning required for the movement of pilgrims’ belongings, ensuring seamless baggage handling and delivery in accordance with Hajj protocols. Prof. Usman congratulated all successful companies and urged them to adhere strictly to the commitments and service standards outlined during the selection process.

Further demonstrating Nigeria’s readiness for the 2025 pilgrimage, Prof. Usman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Representing Saudi Arabia at the signing ceremony in Jeddah was Dr. Abdulfatah Masahat, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah. This agreement formalized the operational framework for Hajj activities and highlighted the collaborative efforts between both nations to ensure a successful pilgrimage season.

By choosing these airlines and cargo operators, NAHCON aims to safeguard the interests and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims, ensuring that their journey to fulfill the spiritual obligations of Hajj is marked by comfort, safety, and reliability. The commission’s careful selection process underscores a commitment to excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in Hajj operations.