Ogun airport to host May 3 Hajj inaugural flight
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj will depart from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, May 3.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj will depart from Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, May 3.
The development marks the first time pilgrims from Ogun State will depart directly from the state capital following the completion of the airport, with the flight to be operated by FlyNas.
In a statement issued by the commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON disclosed that additional flights scheduled for the same day include Umza and Max Air departures from Abuja conveying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states.
The commission added that Air Peace will operate a flight from Lagos with pilgrims from Oyo State, while another FlyNas flight is expected to depart from Birnin Kebbi.
NAHCON further stated that its officials, including ad hoc members of the National Medical Team, departed on Tuesday, April 28, to make necessary arrangements ahead of the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims.
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It also advised intending pilgrims that airlift operations by each carrier would be conducted in phases, with movements organised by zones.
The commission said, "Once airlift is concluded from one zone and moves to the next, the carrier will not return to that zone. Pilgrims who miss their scheduled flight from that zone must bear the consequences of moving to the next available one. Other fallouts include having to wait pending when they will be re-grouped for the journey.
"Pilgrims must travel strictly under their group of 45 whose Nusuk cards will be ready and awaiting their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Hence every pilgrim is advised to confirm and familiarise themselves with group members prior to the journey. The pilgrims are advised to obtain the contact details of their group leaders and the state official(s) accompanying them on the flight."
NAHCON Chairman, Amb Ismail Abba Yusuf assured the pilgrims that the commission has put all the necessary preparations in place to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise.
