Saudi-designated Nigerian hajj air carrier, Flynas, has successfully airlifted 18,017 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj. This equates to around 63% of the 29,296 pilgrims allocated to the airline, with the airlift being completed in 45 total flights from various Nigerian states. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria allocated pilgrims to several airlines, with Flynas receiving the most allocation at 29,296 pilgrims. Flynas had positioned six aircraft for the 2023 hajj operation, but only utilized five so far. The airline operates from Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, Sultan Abubakar International Airport Sokoto, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.
The managing director of the general sales agent (GSA) of Flynas in Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Kaila, spoke about the airline’s success in airlifting more than half of its allocated pilgrims on schedule, despite the rescue operations conducted for some states like Nasarawa, among others. Kaila revealed that the airline has employed over 60 Nigerians as adhoc staff every year during hajj operations since 2014 when Flynas began operating in Nigeria as part of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has so far airlifted a total of 42,571 pilgrims mostly to Madinah for Hajj. Flynas operated 45 of the 101 total flights by the approved air carriers. Max Air has so far airlifted 12,327 pilgrims in 23 flights, while Azman Air has ferried 2,750 pilgrims in three flights. Aero Contractors has airlifted 6,025 pilgrims in seven flights, and Air Peace transported 3,206 pilgrims in 12 flights.
The successful hajj airlift by Flynas has significantly contributed to the Hajj exercise’s efficiency and ease for Nigerian pilgrims who intend to embark on the sacred journey. The airline’s consistent provision of quality and reliable air transportation services with a favorable customer experience has endeared it to many intending pilgrims in Nigeria.
