The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj airlift following a stakeholders’ meeting held at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting was convened to review the previous Hajj airlift operations, identify challenges and develop measures to ensure safe, efficient and seamless air transportation for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2027 Hajj.
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Represented by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS) and Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Ahmad Abba, mni, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo, reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to address challenges identified from previous operations.
Captain Najomo said the collaborative approach would help strengthen preparations and improve the coordination of Hajj airlift operations ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, highlighted key challenges encountered during the previous Hajj operations.
He also provided updates on the proposed new Saudi Government policy, which is expected to allocate 98 per cent of pilgrims to tour operators, as well as the allocation of states to airlines for the 2027 Hajj airlift.
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The meeting featured briefings from representatives of key aviation and Hajj-related agencies, as well as participating airlines, who discussed operational requirements and lessons from previous exercises.
Among the agencies represented were the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Participating Hajj airlift operators, including Saudi Air, Flynas, Air Peace, Max Air and Umza, also took part in the discussions.
The stakeholders reviewed areas requiring improved coordination, particularly in relation to flight operations, airspace management, weather information and the transportation of pilgrims.
The NCAA said the engagement was aimed at ensuring that identified gaps from previous Hajj operations are addressed ahead of the 2027 airlift.
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Members of the NCAA team at the meeting included the General Manager, Statistics, Research and Development, Maryam Ismail; Deputy General Manager, Cost Recovery, Alhassan Balarabe; and Flight Operations Inspector, Captain Ibrahim Yunusa, alongside other senior officials.
The authority is expected to continue consultations with relevant stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 Hajj airlift progress.