In a partial relief to the ongoing Hajj 2025 airlift crisis, Max Air has emerged as the only Nigerian carrier granted landing clearance by Saudi Arabian authorities, prompting a swift action by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to deploy the airline for the rescue of Imo State pilgrims.
The development comes amid heightened tension following Saudi Arabia’s refusal to approve landing permits for other Nigerian airlines over enforcing a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) which mandates that Saudi carriers should transport 50 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims.
A senior NAHCON official confirmed the development to Hajj Reporters, stating that the Commission is arranging to use Max Air to begin the airlift with Imo pilgrims, whose inaugural flight is slated for today.
Max Air is the only airline granted a permit so far, and we are mobilising them immediately to begin with the Imo State contingent,” the source said.
HAJJ REPORTERS gathered that efforts are ongoing at the diplomatic level, as NAHCON continues consultations with the office of the Vice President to resolve the broader impasse and ensure that the remaining flights proceed without further delays.
As of press time, uncertainty remains for other states awaiting airlift, with thousands of Nigerian pilgrims at risk of missing this year’s pilgrimage unless a comprehensive solution is reached swiftly.
