By George Ozalla
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has held talks with Saudi Arabian Airlines on preparations for the 2027 Hajj airlift, with emphasis on operational coordination, passenger welfare, regulatory compliance and improved communication between both organisations.
The meeting, held at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, provided an opportunity for the aviation regulator and the Saudi carrier to review areas requiring attention ahead of the next Hajj exercise and strengthen cooperation in Nigeria’s pilgrimage air transport market.
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, congratulated Saudi Arabian Airlines on its selection by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as one of the designated carriers for the 2027 Hajj airlift.
Najomo, represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, acknowledged the airline’s longstanding contribution to the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims, particularly those travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
Figures presented at the meeting indicated that Saudi Arabian Airlines transported approximately 74 per cent of Nigerian Umrah pilgrims during the 2025–2026 season, while preliminary figures for the current season showed that its market share was approaching 100 per cent.
Spiff said the NCAA remained committed to providing regulatory guidance and support to airlines operating in Nigeria, stressing the importance of regular engagement in improving operational efficiency and maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship between the regulator and operators.
The Director of Air Transport Regulation, Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, welcomed the airline’s delegation and said the meeting had helped both parties exchange information and address communication gaps.
She also drew attention to the NCAA’s electronic portal, urging Saudi Arabian Airlines to register on the platform without further delay. The portal is intended to facilitate regulatory processes and improve the handling of relevant engagements between the authority and operators.
The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Alhaji Ahmad Abba, mni, also stressed the need for early preparations for the 2027 Hajj operations.
Abba, who summarised Najomo’s position at the meeting, pointed out that preparations at the airports in Kano, Abuja and Lagos would require attention to their different operational circumstances. He urged the airline to begin necessary arrangements early enough to avoid difficulties during the airlift.
Passenger welfare and the handling of complaints also featured prominently in the discussions.
The General Manager, Planning and Enforcement, Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Chichi Daniels, emphasised the need for effective communication between the airline and passengers, particularly when flights are disrupted or baggage is delayed.
She drew attention to passengers’ entitlements regarding applicable compensation, as well as the care and assistance airlines are expected to provide during flight disruptions.
Daniels urged Saudi Arabian Airlines to appoint a dedicated customer-service manager to serve as a direct contact for the NCAA. She said the arrangement would improve communication, ensure that passenger complaints receive timely attention and facilitate compliance with Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
Responding on behalf of the airline, its Regional Manager, Mr. Abdallah Abuleid, welcomed the feedback from the NCAA and acknowledged the need for better communication channels and information sharing.
He also recognised the importance of addressing outstanding matters through sustained engagement, noting the value of maintaining a productive working relationship with the Nigerian aviation regulator.
Both parties agreed to maintain regular communication and cooperation ahead of the 2027 Hajj airlift.
