In continuation with its preparations for this year’s Hajj operations, a delegation of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday met with the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to discuss issues relating to airlift of Nigerian intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Giving an update on the commission’s pre-Hajj activities in the Kingdom, NAHCON Assistant Director, Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, informed that the Nigeria delegation was led to CAGA office by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.
She informed that the Nigerian Hajj body’s delegation was received by GACA officials led by Engineer Mazeen Ahmad Bazuhair.
“Discussions were held on slot allocation to Nigerian air carriers for airlift of Nigeria’s pilgrims,” Usara stated.
According to her, Professor Usman briefed the Saudi aviation authority’s officials on NAHCON’s arrangements so far.
She added that Bazuhair expressed concern over essential steps yet to be taken to facilitate timely allocation of airlift slots to Nigerian carriers to be involved in this year’s Hajj operation.
In another development, Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association (HUTOUN) on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the NAHCON chairman at the Umm ul Jud office of the commission in Makkah.
Usara informed that HUTOUN Secretary Bemekun Rasheed assured the Chairman of the association’s support.
He added that members of the association wish to identify with the NAHCON’s chosen service provider, the Mashariq Al-Dhahabia Company.
“The HUTOUN delegation has since met with the Mashariq service providers to discuss modalities and packages available to them as private tour operators,” Usara stated.
