Air Peace Friday commenced the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj as the airlift of intending pilgrims kicked off across the country with inaugural flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja.
Daily Trust Saturday reports that Air Peace which is participating in the exercise for the first time has been allocated 11,348 intending pilgrims by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the second highest number to be allocated to a Nigerian carrier after Max Air.
The airline will be airlifting the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from May 26, 2023, with one of its Boeing 777 aircraft.
Air Peace is one of the airlines approved by the federal government for the airlift and had signed an agreement with NAHCON, earlier this month.
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At the signing ceremony with NAHCON, the chairman of Air Peace, Barrister Allen Onyema, said the airline cares for the Nigerian pilgrims and is carrying out the operation for national pride.
Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holy city for Muslims. Every adult Muslim is expected to embark on this religious journey at least once in their lifetime.
The airline would be airlifting pilgrims from Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, FCT, Gombe, as well as South South and South East states.
No fewer than six domestic airlines are participating in the airlift including Max Air, Azman and Aero Contractors while Arik Air and ValueJet would fly pilgrims from accredited tour operators.
