The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has declared that the country will not use Sudan airspace during the airlift of its pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
This was disclosed today by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi on a Freedom Radio Kaduna, Hausa programme, Barka Da Warhaka.
Malam Jalal Arabi ruled out the use of Sudan airspace during the airlift, for safety reasons.
He therefore said the three air carriers contracted for the operations, including MaxAir, Peace Air and Flynas are fully prepared for the responsibility they shouldered.
He also stated that the inaugural flight and first batch of Nigerian intending pilgrims from Kebbi State, to the holy land is scheduled for 15th May at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
Arabi also disclosed that the advance teams of NAHCON staff, medical and media are expected to depart to the holy land in the next few days to prepare ground for the reception of the pilgrims.
The Chairman expressed confidence and is optimistic that, barring all unforseen circumstances, the outward journey would be smooth and hitch free, saying that about ninety percent of the Nigerian pilgrims are expected to be airlifted to Madinah, while the remaining ten percent is only a corridor for any eventuality.
He said as against last year, all Nigerian pilgrims would be airlifted back home through the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.
It could be recalled that last year some pilgrims came back home through Madinah Airport which gave the Commission and the pilgrims some nightmares.
He reiterated the stand of the Commission on forty kilograms maximum luggage for each pilgrim.
He enjoined state pilgrims Boards, Agencies and Commissions to ensure that pregnant women at whatever stage of their pregnancy were prevented from embarking on the religious journey for their safety and that of their baby.
He stated that due to the high exchange rate of the dollar to naira, pilgrims will only be given five hundred dollars as their Basic Training Allowance, BTA.
Malam Jalal Arabi called on pilgrims to strictly adhere to laid down rules and regulations of both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, for their comfort and a rewarding Hajj exercise.
