Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have begun a critical review of their long-standing airlift arrangements, placing the sharing of pilgrims between designated airlines at the centre of discussions. The move is designed to ensure fairness, efficiency, and mutual benefit ahead of the 2026 hajj operations. Therefore, the outcome could significantly reshape how both countries manage one of the world’s largest seasonal air transport exercises.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, held high-level meetings in Riyadh with Engr. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, GACA. Meanwhile, the engagements focused on strengthening bilateral aviation ties and aligning expectations for smoother hajj operations.
The Honourable Minister was accompanied by Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, alongside senior ministry officials. In addition, their presence ensured that regulatory priorities and operational realities were fully represented during the talks.
According to Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, both countries agreed on the urgent need to review the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement. The BASA framework, they noted, must reflect modern aviation realities and evolving market dynamics. However, the broader objective remains building a more responsive structure that supports efficient and predictable hajj operations.
In the same vein, both parties examined the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding, which prescribes how pilgrims are shared annually between Nigerian and Saudi airlines. The review is expected to rebalance this formula to guarantee equity and optimise capacity utilisation. Therefore, any adjustment will directly influence airline participation and revenue distribution during hajj operations.
Discussions also addressed slot allocations for Nigerian designated carriers for this year’s pilgrimage. This remains critical, as slot access determines flight frequency and scheduling flexibility. Meanwhile, both sides deliberated on the percentage of pilgrims to be airlifted by airlines from each country, a key factor in maintaining balance and operational efficiency in hajj operations.
Beyond policy frameworks, the meetings examined several operational issues affecting Nigerian airlines. These include scheduling efficiency, turnaround time, and service delivery standards. In addition, resolving these concerns is seen as essential to achieving seamless hajj operations and avoiding disruptions during peak travel periods.
The engagements were described as frank, constructive, and productive, with both sides demonstrating a strong commitment to resolving outstanding issues. The Honourable Minister expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international aviation standards. Therefore, the strengthened partnership is expected to deliver improved outcomes for hajj operations.
Decisions reached during the meetings, particularly those concerning the 2026 hajj operations, have already been communicated to Nigeria’s designated airlines for immediate implementation. Consequently, stakeholders anticipate a more coordinated, efficient, and reliable pilgrimage airlift system.
