The Nigerian delegation to next year’s hajj would depart through 16 airports, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said yesterday.
FAAN’s Hajj Committee led by Director of Airport Operations, Captain Mukhtar Yusuf Muye, made this known during a visit to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Captain Yusuf intimated the commission that the FAAN has commenced preparations for the 2024 Hajj about two months ago so that they could achieve a hitch-free operation.
He assured that the exercise would be complete before the commencement of the Hajj airlift in the 16 departure airports across the country.
He urged the Commission to persuade the tour operator companies to comply with the arrangements of airlifting their pilgrims through the International Terminals instead of the Hajj Terminal as that denies the authority of valuable revenue that they are supposed to generate for the purpose of providing the necessary infrastructural facilities at the airports.
He assured the commission of FAAN’s commitment to discharge its duties diligently so that the pilgrims can enjoy a hitch-free airlift.
Acting Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Malam Jalal Arabi charged FAAN to as a matter of urgency put in place necessary facilities at the country’s Hajj departure zone to ensure a seamless airlift operation.
He said that the provision of necessary navigation equipment and facilities at Hajj departure centres across the country would facilitate a seamless Hajj Airlift.
“You are a formidable partner in Hajj operation. Though, there are certain considerations put in place during Hajj airlift and we expect you to tell us the state of the various Airports used for Hajj Airlift”, he said.
According to him, the committee should be time-conscious as they would have limited time to carry out their assignments, going by the timeline set by Saudi Arabia for all nations to conclude all Hajj arrangements early.
