Maryam Aminu
In a significant move to streamline the process of traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj, the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has selected Flyadeal, a Saudi low-cost airline, as its designated carrier.
The National President of AHUON, Alh. Abdullateef Ekundayo Yusuf made this announcement during the AHUON Zonal Conference held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in Abuja.
The Conference has it theme Hajj Reforms: role of tour operators
Ekundayo Yusuf expressed that the decision is part of AHUON’s ongoing efforts to ease the challenges faced by Nigerians embarking on the holy pilgrimage.
Flyadeal, based at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and owned by Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, is set to provide a more efficient and comfortable travel experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
According to AHUON, utilizing Flyadeal will enable them to consolidate all pilgrims into one or a maximum of two flights, offering a direct seven-hour journey from any zone in Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.
This arrangement is expected to significantly reduce the logistical difficulties traditionally associated with the Hajj pilgrimage.
One notable advantage of Flyadeal’s involvement is its ability to secure landing rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia even at closing hours or after other international carriers have been restricted from entering the airspace a privilege exclusive to Saudi-based carriers.
AHUON representatives acknowledged that securing Flyadeal’s participation in the Nigerian market required considerable persuasion due to negative perceptions about operating in Nigeria. Despite these challenges, Flyadeal has officially commenced operations in the country.
This partnership is viewed as a critical step towards fostering fair competition on the Hajj route, offering pilgrims the flexibility of individual ticketing rather than the more cumbersome group booking process.
Furthermore, Flyadeal has expressed its readiness to start Umrah services to Nigeria upon AHUON’s request, expanding the scope of services available to Nigerian pilgrims.
AHUON’s President encouraged all members to embrace the Flyadeal partnership, seeing it as an opportunity to consolidate efforts and achieve common goals in both spiritual and business pursuits.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration with Flyadeal will provide members with a friendly alternative carrier and the freedom to choose their preferred airline.
During the event, Alhaji Usman Ambursa, the Zonal Vice President of AHUON, Abuja Zone, emphasized the importance of the gathering, which served as a platform to discuss reforms for Hajj 2025.
He highlighted that the conference offered a unique opportunity for stakeholders to share ideas and shape the future of Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Barrister Muhammad B. Umar called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other relevant agencies to develop comprehensive guidelines that create an enabling environment for travel agencies to manage air, land transportation, and accommodation for pilgrims, as empowered by Section 16 of the Act.
He further urged NAHCON to cease its dual role as both regulator and operator, advocating for a focus on regulatory oversight through fair, consistent, and enforceable mechanisms acceptable to all stakeholders.
Other speakers at the event, including Dr. Bello Tambuwal and Muhammad Siddique, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, commended the organizers and called for a pragmatic approach to changes affecting Hajj operations.
Siddique particularly urged NAHCON to facilitate easier business operations for AHUON and address the challenges facing tour operators, asserting that Hajj operations belong to the tour operators who should not be divided or victimized.
In response, the Chairman of NAHCON emphasized the need for reconciliation and collaboration between AHUON and the Commission.
He highlighted that the unity of AHUON and NAHCON would lead to seamless Hajj operations and assured stakeholders that efforts would be made to find common ground.
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