Following the receipt of applications from about 10 indigenous airlines for the airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj, as well as the inauguration of Aviation Monitoring and Airline Screening Committees, held at Hajj House Wednesday in Abuja, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said that it will begin the screening of Airlines Friday.
The Screening 36-Member Committee, which is headed by the Alh. Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa, the Commissioner in charge of Operations, was inaugurated by the Chairman/ CEO, Alh. Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, at the event in Abuja.
The Airlines that applied includes: Aero Contractors, Air peace, Arik Air L.t.d, Azman Air Services, Flynas (a Saudi designated carrier), K-impex Airline L.t.d, Max Air L.t.d, Skypower Express Airways, Value Jet, United Nigeria Airline Company Limited.
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According to a release signed by the Assistant Director, Information & Publication, Mousa Ubandawaki the commission said the Committee has as its terms of reference:
- Screen the prospective Carriers that applied for License for the airlift of pilgrims and those of excess luggage in respect of the 2023 Hajj.
- Determine the suitability and capability of the applicant in in line with the extant Nigerian Civil Aviation regulations and ICAO standards.
III. Allocate passengers to the Carriers based on their assessed capabilities in line with paragraph II above.
- Establish criteria, score or grade for suitability and for the recommendation of an applicant.
- Recommend appropriate pilgrim airfare and excess luggage rate for the specified departure zones.
- Make any other recommendation, necessary for the efficient conduct of 2023 Hajj airlift.
VII. Submit a comprehensive report at the completion of the exercise for consideration of the Exco of the Commission.
The Committee has a one-week period to submit its reports and recommendation.
