Independent Hajj Reporters has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), to abide by its set guidelines in selecting airlines that would not abandon pilgrims before and after the 2022 Hajj operations.
The CSO also called on the screening panel put in place by the commission to refer to previous benchmarks, history of performance and failures, current status of such airlines, as well as their ability and capacity to meet targeted airlift schedules.
The Independent Hajj Reporters disclosed this in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Mohammed Ibrahim on Monday.
The CSO recalled that the commission has set up a committee to screen prospective airliners that have applied to airlift the 2022 Hajj pilgrims from Nigeria.
“The committee should not sacrifice safety and competence for a lower air fare because such a move will be counterproductive to Hajj operations,” the CSO said.
It further tasked the NAHCON screening committee to abide by ARTICLE 6 Under CARRIER’S OBLIGATIONS in its airlift agreements with Hajj carriers.
Article 6.1 of the agreement states that selected Hajj carriers should have and be able to deploy a wide bodied aircraft with a minimum seating capacity of about 300 passengers and a maximum seating capacity of 540 with a provision of leg-room allowance of about 33cm and above for the entire operation.
It is also provided that where necessary, similar substitute thereof approved in writing by the Commission and certified by the NCAA and Saudi GACA.
IHR also calls on NAHCON to ensure that “Brief case” airlines are not contracted. The committee should select from among renown airlines that have existing aircrafts and crews ready for deployment at any moment.
