*Photo:The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Mal. Jalal Ahmad Arabi alongside the management team, conducting an inspection of the Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, positioned by FlyNas at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.*
Flynas, the Saudi Arabian airline, one of the three carriers selected to conduct the 2024 Hajj airlift, was punctual at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport (SABIA) in Birnin Kebbi at 10:39 pm, Tuesday, to transport pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj to Saudi Arabia.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, was on ground to inspect the aircraft in the company of his three permanent Commissioners and Commissioner representing North West, according to a press statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON.
Also among the entourage of Malam Arabi are some members of the NAHCON management staff. The FlyNas team at the inspection was led by Malam Umar Kaila, FlyNas representative in Nigeria.
During his inspection of the aircraft, Chairman Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi advised the airport management to the provide additional boarding stairs for the aircraft’s back door to facilitate quicker boarding.
The Flynas aircraft, a modern vessel with 436 seats, is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia between 12 pm to 1 pm on Wednesday depending on when the ceremonial event marking the beginning of the airlift ends. Vice Presiden Sen. Kashim Shettima is expected to grace the inaugural fight ceremony as the Special Guest of Honor. Chairman Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi expressed his satisfaction with the preparations and commended the collaborative efforts of all involved parties.
Meanwhile, in a dinner party organized by the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris in honor of the NAHCON Chairman, the Governor expressed appreciation that for the first time, Kebbi state is hosting an inaugural flight for Hajj. Both the host and Special Guest appreciated each other for the inaugural flight project. The Governor added that he will continue to support NAHCON and his pilgrims even in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj.
Earlier, the NAHCON Chairman inspected Abuja’s Bassa Jiwa Hajj Transit Camp the Hajj and the Birnin Kebbi tHajj camp to ascertain the arrangements already on ground for the airlift commencement. He was accompanied on both occasions by the respect Executive Secretaries of the State Pilgrims’ Boards; Malam Abubakar Adamu Evuti for FCT and Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Enabo. The Chairman commended them for jobs well done.
Three flights are scheduled to depart Nigeria for Saudi Arabia toady, Air Peace is scheduled to depart by 11: 30 am with 310 FCT pilgrims five officials while Max Air departs by 1: 10pm with 550 Nasarawa pilgrims and 10 officials. Both carriers will takeoff from Abuja international airport.
