The arithmetic of Hajj airlift

The decision was made known by the Sultan of Sokoto, the Permanent National Amirul  Hajj, during the Hajj stakeholders meeting of August 23 in Abuja. Many issues pertaining to this year’s hajj were discussed with emphases on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), commencement of issuance of visa, pilgrims’ accommodations update, progress made in terms of […]

The decision was made known by the Sultan of Sokoto, the Permanent National Amirul  Hajj, during the Hajj stakeholders meeting of August 23 in Abuja.
Many issues pertaining to this year’s hajj were discussed with emphases on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), commencement of issuance of visa, pilgrims’ accommodations update, progress made in terms of streamline of hajj airlifts the readiness of air carriers and other possible challenges ahead.
With the commencement of issuance of visa by the Saudi Embassy, the next leg of operation is airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims airlift is the most significant operation that defines the success or otherwise of hajj exercise. Selling of hajj seats, pilgrims’ enlightenment, screening of pilgrims and issuance of visa without airlifting of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will amount to pouring water in a basket.
Approximately, Max, Medview, Kabo, Sky power and Flynas Air are to airlift a total number of 65,115 pilgrims within 22 days. Max is to convey 40,486 passengers, Flynas 9, 500, Kabo 8, 326, Medview 5, 303 and Sky Power 1, 500. 50% of Nigerian pilgrims are expected to be flown to Medina directly – a significant achievement by Nahcon.
However, airlift of pilgrims is not all about availability of Boeing 747’s alone as other factors, like ability to adhere with airlift schedules and conveyance of pilgrims with their luggage are of great consideration.
The role of states pilgrims’ welfare boards is very crucial. Invite, screen and move pilgrims to airports at scheduled time and dates rest with the state pilgrims’ welfare boards. Failure on their part will have a negative effect on the operation of the air carriers.
All over the world, aviation activities are time regulated with air carriers paying for virtually every second behind their agreed time of takeoff, landing or parking.  
In 2013 for example, Max Air, Medview, Kabo and Meridian Air evacuated a total of 66, 436 pilgrims in 131 flights in 27 days. This year’s Arafat day may likely fall on the 3 or 4th of October. Saudi Arabia usually closes King Abdul-Aziz International Airport five or four days to Arafat which may be 27th or 28th of September. If airlift of Nigerian pilgrims eventually commence on 6th of October, that means we have 22 or 23 days to evacuate over 66, 000 pilgrims against last year’s record of 27 days. The first batch of South African pilgrims arrived Saudi Arabia on 25th of August with more countries now in the Kingdom. This arithmetic indicates that we are already behind.   
However, our lukewarm attitude towards sticking to time may pose serious challenges. This issue was highlighted by Nahcon Commissioner in charge of Operation, Barrister Abdullahi Mukthar MON, when he cautioned states pilgrims’ on the need to be time conscious.  
In 2013 Hajj operation I served as a member of Inspectorate, evaluation and compliance committee -whose responsibilities is to Inspect, evaluate all hajj service providers and enforce compliance where necessary. I had an experience that made me question the capacity of some state pilgrims’ welfare boards. I met the state pilgrim’s board boss and enquired when he will deploy his pilgrims to the airport. To my surprise, he did not know when the next flight would arrive – an indication that he was not in contact with the Nahcon zonal coordinator. The flight later arrived and spent eight hours at the airport with no pilgrims to ferry. The state was made to pay penalty by Nahcon.
All hands must be on deck and eyes on the deadline. Nahcon should not leave states pilgrim’s boards to operate as they wish – rather they should be forced to adhere and comply with schedules. This can be achieved by deploying Nahcon staff to be part and parcel of state pilgrims dispatch committee. We are already in an injury time and we cannot afford to leave any Nigerian pilgrim behind.  
– Muhammad is National Coordinator, Independent Hajj Reporters, Kaduna