Aviation Fuel Crisis: NAHCON Assures Intending Muslim Pilgrims Of Hitch Free Airlift Operations

The Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,  Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has allayed fears that the spiraling cost of aviation fuel (Jet A1 fuel) could truncate the smooth airlift of intending Muslim pilgrims to the Holy Land of Mecca, Saudi Arabia 

This is as he assured of Federal Government’s  intervention to mitigate the impact of the global surge in prices of aviation on the industry ahead of the airlifting of  pilgrims.

The Source reports that there have been palpable apprehension over the possibility that the 2026 Hajj exercise could be severely hampered owing to the operational difficulties being faced by industry operators due mainly to the high cost of Jet 1 fuel used by aircrafts.

Major stakeholders had raised serious concern and doubts about  industry operators breaking even in the face of the current challenges going by the terms of their subsisting contract with the authorities as regards the airlift operations.

According to them, while the contract cost entered into had the cost of aviation fuel fixed  at  N1000 per litre, the product now sells at about N2000 per litre ,thus, making it impossible for operators to meet up.

But a statement on Friday May 1, 2026, from  Fatima Sanda, its spokesperson, quoted the NAHCON Chairman  as assuring that the Commission is presently engaging all relevant stakeholders within the aviation industry on how to ensure a seamless and efficient airlift exercise.

The Commission dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that contracted airlines and carriers have pulled out from this year’s Hajj exercise owing  to challenges.

While acknowledging the challenges, NAHCON however, maintained that claims suggesting airlines unwillingness to participate in the Hajj operations are not in tandem with the ongoing collaborative efforts between the Government and operators.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all necessary arrangements are progressing as planned, and the inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj exercise is scheduled for May 3, 2026”, the Commission stated.

According to the NAHCON Chairman, the Federal Government’s intervention is primarily aimed at striking a balance by way of ensuring that airlines involved in the airlifting do not operate at a loss and at the same time avoiding heaping  excessive burdens on pilgrims.