To ensure improved coordination, safety and efficiency in the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia next year, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced early preparations for the 2027 hajj airlift.

This comes as Saudi Arabia could allocate 98 per cent of pilgrims to tour operators following a major policy shift.

The development was a major focus of a stakeholder meeting convened by the NCAA on Tuesday in Abuja to review the previous hajj airlift and map measures to address operational challenges ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.

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

NCAA Director-General, Chris Najomo, who was represented at the meeting by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards and Chairman of the committee, 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 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.

Noting some challenges encountered during the previous operation, he stressed the need for stakeholders to address identified gaps ahead of the next pilgrimage.