Again, Saudi extends Hajj deadline

A picture taken on July 29, 2020 shows pilgrims circumambulating around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, at the centre of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, ahead of the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage. – Mask-clad Muslim pilgrims began the annual hajj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage. The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, is usually one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. (Photo by STR / AFP)

Wed, 6 Jul 2022 11:57:20 WAT

The General Authority on Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced extended flights to airlift pilgrims into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, on Wednesday, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said the gesture was a sense of relief for the 3000 Nigerian pilgrims who are yet to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

It added that the reprieve came after a high – level discussion between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia which was led by Alh Zikrullah Hassan, Chairman /CEO of NAHCON, in Saudi Arabia.

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Recall that Nigeria’s hajj preparation for 2022 has been marred with different challenges due to lack of adequate preparedness from NAHCON and state pilgrim boards.

This has led to protests among intending pilgrims who have paid for the exercise since 2019.

In the statement, NAHCON said the new development would allow two airlines, Max Air and Azman airline to continue their airlift operation from where they left off.

“Meanwhile, the Commission has concluded arrangement with Flynas to operate three rescue flights for pilgrims in Kano and Abuja,” the statement read.

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