Following the recent event of flight cancellations and suspension of Nigerians from entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and Umrah, the association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, Kano State zone has called for a review of the decision.
The call was made at an emergency meeting with stakeholders to review the implications of the suspension on their business, the intending pilgrims and the industry at large.
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A statement issued by the zonal chairman, Abdulaziz Halliru, said the disruption of travel plans has caused their clients and other travel plans potential losses and negative impact on the economy.
“We note with great concern the disruption of travel plans the suspension has caused to our teeming clients and other travel publics, more especially as the action has come during the holiday season and hope that the situation will not last longer than necessary.
“We observe with grave apprehension the potential losses the situation will have to the economy in general, the travel and tourism value chain in particular through visa expiration, accommodation and transport cancellation in Makkah and Madinah as well as flight ticket no-shown and other miscellaneous charges running into millions of naira.
“The federal government, through its relevant agencies should dialogue with the Saudi Arabian authorities to lift the flight suspension as Nigerian pilgrims have been compliant with the COVID-19 protocols.
“At the same time, it should look into the fate of our members that are directly affected by this avoidable incident.”
