CHAIRMAN of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has assured the public that the recent technical hitch that affected one of the contracted carriers would not derail airlifting of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj.
In a statement by Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, yesterday, the commission said it had concluded arrangements for rescue operations in the event of delayed or cancelled flights.
It confirmed that airlifting has entered seventh day, with over 33 flights so far recorded. NAHCON added that transportation of pilgrims from Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states had been concluded, while others recording steady progress.
The statement added: “It would be recalled NAHCON had increased the number of its air carriers to five this year.
“So far, close to 14,000 pilgrims are safely in Madinah and the number of flights transporting pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will also increase in a couple of days.
The operations are going on as planned with back-up measures put in place in case of unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, intending pilgrims are enjoined to remain in a state of readiness at all time for imminent departure to Saudi Arabia.
“NAHCON will keep the public updated with necessary information on the progress of the operations.”
