2026 Hajj: Underperformance in pilgrims’ airlifting will be sanctioned, NAHCON tells airlines

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, on Wednesday sounded a note of warning to the airlines selected for the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, stating that the interest of the pilgrims remains the commission’s priority and that any underperformance would be sanctioned.

The chairman said this in Abuja at the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement signing ceremony held at the Hajj House headquarters of the commission with the four airlines earlier selected for this year’s operation. He charged them to adhere strictly to operational standards and timelines.

According to Abba, while underperformance would be sanctioned, any airline that performed excellently would be rewarded with continued partnership.

“Any airline that performs excellently will continue to enjoy our confidence and partnership, but any airline that underperforms or fails to meet agreed timelines will be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the agreement. The interest of Nigerian pilgrims remains our top priority,” the newly appointed chairman said.

Describing the event as a defining milestone in NAHCON’s readiness for the 2026 Hajj, the chairman declared that the airlift operation was a critical component of arrangements for the pilgrimage and had to be handled with the utmost professionalism, precision and commitment.

The NAHCON CEO commended the airlines for their previous performances but emphasised that strict compliance with the provisions of the agreement remains non-negotiable.

He noted that Hajj operations are time-bound and require careful coordination to ensure that all Nigerian pilgrims are transported to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within stipulated timelines.

Ambassador Abba disclosed that the agreement included clear compliance measures, including recovery timelines for any airline that fell behind schedule, as well as alternative arrangements where necessary to prevent disruptions.

He assured stakeholders that NAHCON would diligently carry out its oversight responsibilities to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.

Also speaking at the event, NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, described the agreement as a reflection of strengthened collaboration and shared commitment to service excellence.

According to him, the 2025 Hajj airlift exercise provided valuable lessons that would guide improvements in the 2026 operations, emphasising that the agreement represented a binding commitment to safety, transparency and effective service delivery.

He stated that punctuality, operational efficiency, adequate aircraft deployment and effective management of operational challenges were critical to the success of the exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the participating airlines, Executive Director and representative of Max Air, Barrister Shehu Wada SAN, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for the confidence reposed in them.

He described the Hajj airlift as a national assignment and assured the commission of the airlines’ commitment to safety, punctuality and adherence to agreed schedules.

Due to time constraints arising from the strict timelines issued by the Saudi Arabian authorities for this year’s Hajj, NAHCON rolled over the services of the four airlines selected for the 2025 Hajj operation in order to meet the deadline for the selection of airlines.

Three domestic airlines—Max Air, Air Peace and Umza Air Services—and Saudi-based airline Flynas will airlift Nigerian pilgrims and their officials to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this year.