NAHCON Promises Hitch-free Hajj 2023, Flights Begin May 21

Against the backdrop of the unforeseen circumstances that lead to several Nigerian intending pilgrims missing last year’s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after being stranded in Abuja, Lagos and Kano for days, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured a hitch free 2023  Hajj operations.

The commission gave the commitment during its visit to the head office of the General Authority on Civil Aviation, GACA in Jeddah, yesterday.

The chairman of the commission Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, in a statement released by assistant director, information and publication, Mousa Ubandawaki, restated his commitment to make the 2023 Hajj a smooth and easy one for Nigerian pilgrims.

“Let me put on record my profound gratitude to the authority for its understanding and support during last year’s Hajj and to assure you that with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding very early, we will do everything to make sure that the 2023 Hajj will record a resounding success.

“We are ready to organise an excellent and successful Hajj. We are indeed committed to achieve that. Now that we have ample time and opportunities to plan and diligently screen the airlines, there won’t be room for complaint and excuses,” Hassan said.

GACA general manager on hajj operations, Engineer Nazim Pazhair, in his response, commended NAHCON for its unwavering commitment to uplifting the welfare and service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.

“We value the role of NAHCON in Hajj management and we are happy that Nigeria has gotten back its allocation of 95,000. We hope that the commission will quickly conclude its screening procedure, so that we can begin the preparation of slots and schedules for the airlines. We are looking forward to a better working relationship during the Hajj operations,” Pazhair said.

Saudi Arabia’s authorities have released the schedule of Hajj flights for the 2023 Hajj operations, which shows that the airport will open for the first flight carrying 2023 hajj pilgrims on Sunday 21st May 2023 and close for arrivals of Hajj flights on Thursday 22nd of June 2023.

The departure of Hajj flights carrying 2023 hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will start on Sunday 2nd of July 2023 and will end on Wednesday 2nd of August 2023.

GACA also advised all hajj participating countries to submit operating requirements before the end of the working day on Monday 29th of Rajab which is February 20, 2023.