The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced preparations for the 2027 hajj airlift following a major policy shift by Saudi Arabia that could see 98 per cent of pilgrims allocated to tour operators.

The development formed a major focus of a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the NCAA on Tuesday at its corporate headquarters in Abuja to review the previous hajj airlift and identify measures to address operational challenges ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.

A statement by the NCAA yesterday, said the meeting brought together key aviation and hajj stakeholders, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and participating airlines.

The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, said the early engagement was aimed at ensuring improved coordination, safety and efficiency in the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia next year.

Najomo, who was represented at the meeting by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards and Chairman of the committee, NCAA, Ahmad Abba, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to improve the safety and efficiency of the 2027 Hajj airlift.

“The stakeholder engagement is part of efforts to learn from the previous hajj airlift and put appropriate measures in place ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage,” NCAA said.

A major issue discussed at the meeting was the new policy being introduced by Saudi Arabia, which proposes that 98 per cent of pilgrims be allocated to tour operators.

The Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Anofi Elegushi, NAHCON, also briefed participants on the proposed arrangement and the allocation of states to airlines for the 2027 hajj airlift.

He also mentioned some of the challenges encountered during the previous operation, stressing the need for stakeholders to address identified gaps ahead of the next pilgrimage.

Participating airlines at the meeting included Saudi Air, Flynas, Air Peace, Max Air and Umza.

Representatives of NiMet, NAMA and NAHCON also briefed the meeting on their respective preparations and areas requiring improved coordination for the 2027 operation, the statement said.