Air Peace, Azman Air five others set to participate in Hajj airlifting
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the selection of seven airlines, including Air Peace, Azman Air, Flynas, Aero Contractors, Max Air, Arik Air and Value Jet Air, to transport pilgrims for this year's Hajj following the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari.
NAHCON Chairman, Zikrullah Hassan, revealed that the fare for each intending pilgrim for 2023 is set at N2.89m, while the first four airlines will transport pilgrims from the 36 states, FCT, and the armed forces. Arik Air and Valujet Airlines, on the other hand, will provide charter service to pilgrims travelling through private tour operators.
Hassan further disclosed that the hajj fare has eight different costs, with Borno and Yobe States having the lowest price while Lagos and Ogun States have the highest price of N2.99m. He explained that the price disparity is due to the proximity of states to Saudi Arabia and the accommodation secured by each state.
He attributed the fare increase to inflation in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, high cost of goods and services in Saudi Arabia, scarcity of aviation fuel, and an increase in the exchange of naira to dollar at the official rate. Despite the fare increase, Hassan noted that the Commission tried to keep the fare at a minimum level while considering the economic condition of the people going for hajj, and other countries have also declared an increase in their hajj fare.
