The waiver came at the instance of the closure of Sudan airspace occasioned by the raging war in the country, which invariably hindered the smooth transit of the commissioned carriers.
With the closure of Sudanese airspace, airlines would be compelled to use another airspace where they would spend not less than seven hours in the sky for a journey of four and a half hours if the Sudanese airspace had been used.
Four of the five approved airlines for the 2023 exercise refused to sign the contract agreement with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday following the change in the routine and the consequence cost implication the development would cause them.
NAHCON Chairman, Barrister Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, who disclosed the new development at a meeting with stakeholders in the aviation sector, yesterday, said that the president considered the waiver to shore up arrangements for seamless Hajj airlift operation.
Besides, the NAHCON boss stated that the commission has taken necessary steps to curtail drawbacks in the airlift once it commences. He also said that to ensure a ceaseless supply of Jet A fuel for the purpose of the airlift, NAHCON has concluded arrangements with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to that end.
Hassan urged the carriers to avail themselves with the management of NNPC to perfect arrangements to that effect. According to the chairman, the Commission has consulted widely with aviation experts for professional advice adding that the commission will remain steadfast with professional advise in the interest and safety of Nigerian pilgrims.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu enjoyed the selected carriers to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of engagement agreed to, saying NCAA would not hesitate to sanction noncompliance.
