By Soliu Oyesiji
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has sealed the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement with participating airlines, warning that any carrier that fails to meet agreed timelines will face sanctions.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations department, Shafii Sani Mohammed.
NAHCON chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf, described the agreement as a critical milestone in preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage, stressing that airlift operations remain central to the success of the exercise.
He said although the commission appreciates the airlines’ previous performances, strict compliance with operational standards is non-negotiable. According to him, Hajj operations are time-bound and require precision and coordination to ensure Nigerian pilgrims are transported to and from Saudi Arabia without disruption.
Yusuf explained that the agreement provides recovery timelines for airlines that fall behind schedule and outlines alternative arrangements to prevent operational setbacks. He reiterated that airlines demonstrating excellence would retain the commission’s confidence, while underperforming carriers would be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the agreement.
Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi, said lessons from the 2025 Hajj airlift would guide improvements for 2026, with emphasis on safety, transparency and efficient service delivery.
On behalf of the participating airlines, Shehu Wada, Executive Director of Max Air, assured the commission of their commitment to punctuality, safety and adherence to agreed schedules, describing the Hajj airlift as a national assignment.
The agreement was formally signed at the ceremony, reinforcing NAHCON’s resolve to ensure a smooth and efficient 2026 Hajj airlift operation.
