The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on February 5, 2026, convened a meeting with Hajj airlines and the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) at its headquarters in Abuja to address operational challenges and assess preparedness for the 2026 Hajj airlift.
The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards and Hajj Committee Chairman, Alhaji Ahmad Abba, emphasized in his opening remarks that the engagement provides a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on flight patterns, airport operations, schedules, and pilgrim numbers, reiterating the authority's commitment to ensuring successful operations.
The Hajj Committee Chairman, in his brief, stressed the importance of early planning and stakeholder coordination for safe and efficient airlift operations.
The meeting focused on discussing challenges from previous Hajj exercises and assessing airline preparedness for 2026 operations. Key discussion items included aircraft types and deployment numbers, GACA slot allocations, and fueling and ground handling services in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, among others.
Airlines present, including Air Peace, Flynas, Max Air, and UMZA Air, outlined their operational readiness and raised specific challenges from past operations for resolution.
Also present was the Director of Air Transport Regulation, Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe, who spoke on the need to review the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia; and other Hajj Committee members of the NCAA.