2023 Hajj Airlift In Full Swing: Over 33 flights completed
The 2023 Hajj airlift from Nigeria is currently in its seventh day, with over 33 flights completed so far.
Airlift of pilgrims from Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa states has been successfully concluded, while other states are also making steady progress.
It is worth noting that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has increased its number of air carriers to five this year, in order to accommodate the growing demand.
According to a press release by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Public Affairs at NAHCON, a technical issue affected one of the Commission’s contracted air carriers that was transporting Jigawa State pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj.
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This issue was caused by uncontrollable natural circumstances, specifically turbulence resulting from heavy rainfall, which forced the aircraft to make a temporary landing at Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
Although this occurrence caused an inevitable delay, the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, assures Nigerian pilgrims, particularly those affected by this unforeseen circumstance, that the situation has been well managed and will not disrupt the movement of pilgrims for the Hajj.
At the time of writing this press release, NAHCON had already made arrangements for a rescue operation to assist any delayed or cancelled flights that could hinder the smooth transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
As of now, nearly 14,000 pilgrims have safely arrived in Madinah, and the number of flights transporting pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will increase in the coming days.
The operation is proceeding as planned, with backup measures in place to address any unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, intending pilgrims are advised to remain prepared at all times for their imminent departure to Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON will continue to provide the public with necessary updates regarding the progress of the operation.
