Sudan Crisis : Hajj pilgrims’ to pay additional $100 for flight ticket to Saudi Arabia

By Muhammad Muhammad

Nigeria intending pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj  would now pay additional charge of $100 on flight ticket to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SOLACEBASE reports that the additional cost on Hajj fare came as a result of the raging crisis in Sudan which led to the total shutdown of the country’s airspace, that’s compelling the carriers from Nigeria to fly through alternative routes across six African countries to the final destination.

Consequently, the selected airlines have demanded additional $250 per pilgrim on flight ticket to augment expenses on the extra nautical miles and other aviation charges necessitated by the emergency situation.

Already, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had announced a total final hajj fare of 2023, put between N2.7 million and N2.9 million, a cost variant based on the proximity of each state to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Briefing journalists on Saturday on the development, Executive secretary, Kano state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ambassador Mohammadu Abba Danbatta said the additional cost on flight ticket would be deducted from pilgrims’ Basic Traveling Allowance (BTA).

Danbatta noted that by implication, pilgrims would now be given BTA of $700 instead of $800 originally calculated in the overall fare.

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Danbatta explained that evaluation of crisis in Sudan and it’s attendant cost implication as well as other fresh charges by Saudi Government amounted to over $700 has generated huge concern.

According to the executive secretary, the extra cost that would have led to huge burden on intending pilgrims, is being subsidized by the Federal government, NAHCON and states pilgrims’ welfare boards.

He said NAHCON and States Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards would equally bear specific percentages on the increase charge on aviation charges to reduce overload on pilgrims.

” After series of meetings and consultation, the burden of increase in the Hajj fare has been drastically reduced to barest minimum. Already, the Federal government is taking the large chunk of the burden while NAHCON and states would take share just like the intending pilgrims would not be left out.

” By calculation, a pilgrim is expected to pay $117. But by the intervention, the cost is reduced. Pilgrim will now pay $100 while NAHCON and States board will share $17. And the addition would be deducted from pilgrim’s BTA. Now, instead of $800 pilgrims would be given $700″. Danbatta noted.

On the preparation of Kano airlift, Danbatta stressed that the first batch of 550 passengers would depart Nigeria for Saudi Arabia on 25th May, 2023, few hours after the inaugural flight. He said second and third batches would depart on 27th and 29th May on board Max air.