NCAA, Saudi Arabian Airlines Strengthen Cooperation Ahead of 2027 Hajj Airlift
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has engaged Saudi Arabian Airlines on operational coordination, improved passenger services and preparations for the 2027 Hajj airlift.
The engagement took place at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, where 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, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, acknowledged the airline’s longstanding contribution to Nigeria’s pilgrimage air transport market.
He noted that Saudi Arabian Airlines transported approximately 74 per cent of Nigerian Umrah pilgrims during the 2025–2026 season, while preliminary figures presented at the meeting indicated that the airline’s market share in the current season was approaching 100 per cent.
The DGCA reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to providing regulatory guidance and support to airlines operating in Nigeria, stressing the importance of sustained engagement in promoting operational efficiency and mutually beneficial relationships.
Also speaking, the Director of Air Transport Regulation, Mrs Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, welcomed the airline’s delegation and expressed satisfaction that the meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange information and address communication gaps.
She highlighted the benefits of the Directorate’s electronic portal and urged Saudi Arabian Airlines to complete its onboarding process without further delay.
In his remarks, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Alh. Ahmad Abba, mni, summarised the DGCA’s position and urged the airline to commence preparations for the 2027 Hajj operations in earnest.
He noted that airport preparations in Kano differ from those in Abuja and Lagos, making early coordination essential for smooth operations across the designated airports.
Addressing consumer-related concerns, the General Manager of Planning and Enforcement in the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Chichi Daniels, emphasised the need for effective communication in handling passenger complaints.
She highlighted issues relating to delayed baggage, applicable compensation and the provision of care and assistance to passengers during flight disruptions.
Daniels urged the airline to designate a customer service manager as a dedicated point of contact to streamline communication and ensure more efficient resolution of passenger concerns in line with Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
Responding, the airline’s Regional Manager, Mr Abdallah Abuleid, welcomed the NCAA’s feedback and acknowledged the importance of strengthening communication channels and information sharing to resolve outstanding issues and improve cooperation between both organisations.
At the end of the meeting, the NCAA and Saudi Arabian Airlines reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement, improved communication and continued cooperation to ensure safe, efficient and passenger-friendly air transport services between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
NCAA, Saudi Arabian Airlines Strengthen Cooperation Ahead of 2027 Hajj Airlift