Flynas Prepares to Airlift Nigerian Pilgrims for 2026 Hajj with Six Aircraft
Saudi Arabian airline Flynas has declared its readiness to transport Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, deploying six wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft for the operation. This announcement was made by Alhaji Umar Kaila, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Planet Travels Limited, which serves as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Flynas in Nigeria.
Details of the Aircraft Deployment
In a statement issued by Mr. Mahmood Muhammad Abande of the Flynas Media Office in Abuja, it was revealed that the airline has lined up six aircraft specifically for the Hajj mission. Four of these Airbus A330 planes have a seating capacity of 430 each, while the remaining two can accommodate 345 passengers per flight. This strategic deployment aims to ensure efficient and comfortable airlift for the pilgrims.
Allocation and Operational Plans
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 12,550 intending pilgrims to Flynas for this year's pilgrimage. According to Kaila, the airline will airlift pilgrims from several states, including Kebbi, Lagos, Osun, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, and a number from Nasarawa State. To facilitate this, Flynas will operate from multiple airports across Nigeria:
- Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos
- Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto
- Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna
- Kaduna International Airport
- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
Preparation and Commitment to Service
In preparation for the Hajj operation, Flynas has organized refresher courses for over 100 of its local Nigerian staff members. Kaila emphasized the airline's commitment to providing excellent service, stating, "Flynas has proved in the last 12 years that Nigerian pilgrims are kings based on the excellent and world-class services it has been rendering to them during Hajj operations." He added that the airline has completed arrangements to offer distinguished services, deploying world-class facilities and well-trained manpower to serve the pilgrims, whom he referred to as "Guests of Allah."
Background and Bilateral Agreement
Flynas has been operating in Nigeria since 2014 as part of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. This long-standing partnership underscores the airline's experience and reliability in handling Hajj operations, ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey for Nigerian pilgrims.
