2023 Hajj: Arik Air to resume airlift of intending pilgrims next 24hrs

Nigeria’s Arik Air has assured that it will resume airlift of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj in the next 24 hours, having encountered hitches with tour operators and the National Hajj Commission for Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the PR and Communications Manager, Arik Air, Mr Adebanji Ola, the airline explained that it was selected to work with tour operators for the 2023 Hajj operation by NAHCON.

Arik explained further that out of about 10,000 pilgrims allocated to it, it only airlifted 374 passengers from June 14, 2023 to date.

“We commenced the airlift of pilgrims in both Abuja and Lagos on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 and we have carried 374 passengers to date.

“The issues involved in the smooth operation of the airlift are currently being addressed by all parties involved; Arik Air, NAHCON and the Tour Operators.

“We hereby assure the pilgrims that as soon as we resolve the issues within the next 24 hours, the airlift will resume simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos and Kano,” the airline said.

The airline also tendered an unreserved apology to the intending pilgrims waiting for airlift and all parties involved.

“We appeal for the understanding of all concerned and apologise for the inconvenience the slow pace of airlift may have caused the intending pilgrims and all the parties involved,” the airline said.